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■ DITED  BY  BOBiSRT  MBBBT 


I® 


:/ 


V 


- 


young  ladies  like  arrows  ? 

a philanthropist  like  an  old  horse  ? 

can  five  persons  divide  five  eggs,  so  that  each 
receive  one,  and  still  one  remain  in  the  dish  I 

^^feow  many  soft-boiled  eggs  could  the  giant  Qoliah 
Blpon  an  empty  stomach  ? 

K.  What  fishes  have  their  eyes  nearest  together  ? 

W.  Two  fathers  have  each  a square  of  land.  One  father 
fvides  his  so  as  to  reserve  to  himself  one-fourth  in  the 
>rm  of  a square ; thus — 


Tj  e other  father  divides  his  so  as  to  reserve  to  himself 
ona-fonrth  in  the  form  of  a triangle  ; thus — 


They  each  have  four  sons,  and  each  divides  the  remainder 
among  his  sons  in  such  a way  that  each  son  will  share 
equally  with  his  brother,  and  in  similar  shape.  How 
were  the  two  farms  divided  ? 


MEERr’S  BOOK  OF  PUZZLES 


T 


scioitKs  rm 


® ITS 


8 


MKERTS  BOOK  OF  PUZZLES. 


12.  What  is  that  which  is  often  brought  to  table,  often 
eut,  but  never  eaten  ? 

13.  My  first  is  four-sixths  of  a step  that  is  long, 

My  second  is  a person  of  state  ; 

My  whole  is  a thing  that  is  known  to  be  wrong. 
And  is  a strong  symptom  of  hate. 

14.  Why  are  your  nose  and  chin  always  at  variance  1 

15.  Without  my  first  you  can  not  stand. 

My  second  beauteous  fair  command ; 

Together  I attend  your  will, 

And  am  your  humble  servant  still. 

18.  Why  ought  a fisherman  to  be  very  wealthy  I 

17.  Why  is  a man  in  debt  like  a misty  morning  ? 

18.  Who  was  the  first  that  bore  arms  ? 

19.  There  is  a word  of  seven  letters ; the  first  two  re- 
fers to  man,  the  first  three  refers  to  woman,  the  first  four 
signifies  a great  man,  the  seven  a great  woman. 

20.  I am  a word  of  five  letters.  Take  away  my  first 
and  I am  the  name  of  what  adorns  the  estate  of  many  of 
the  nobility  of  England.  Take  away  my  first  and  second, 
and  I am  the  name  of  a place  where  all  the  world  was 
once  congregated.  Take  away  my  last,  and  I am  the 
name  of  a beautiful  mineral.  Take  away  my  two  last, 
and  I am  the  name  of  a fashionable  place  of  resort.  I 
am  small  in  stature,  but  capable  of  doing  a great  deal  of 
mischief,  as  I once  did  in  London  in  the  year  1668. 

21.  Spell  eye-water  four  letters. 

22.  Why  is  swearing  like  an  old  coat  ? 

23.  Why  is  a thump  like  a hat  t 

24.  Why  is  an  inn  like  a burial-^ound  S 


KEYdOAT^ls 


rw 

I 

1 

meery’b  book  of  puzzles. 


f 


27.  If  a fender  cost  six  dollars,  what  will  a ton  of  coal 
come  to  f 

28.  What  word  is  that  to  which  if  you  add  a syllable, 
it  will  make  it  shorter  ? 

29.  My  first  is  a very  uncomfortable  state, 

In  cold  weather  it  mostly  abounds. 

My  second’s  an  instrument  formed  of  hard  steel. 
That  will  cause  the  stout  foe  to  stagger  and  reel. 
And  when  used,  is  a symptom  of  hate. . 

My  wliole  is  an  author  of  greatest  renown, 

Whose  fame  to  the  last  day  of  time  will  go  down. 

30.  What  is  the  Iniigest  and  yet  the  shortest  thing  in 
the  world ; the  swiftest  and  yet  the  slowest ; the  most 
divisible  and  the  most  extended  ; the  least  valued  and 
the  most  regretted  ; without  which  nothing  can  be  done ; 
which  devours  every  thing,  however  small,  and  yetgivcw 
life  and  spirits  to  every  object,  however  great? 


My  second  is  the  highest  found — 

In  every  pack  of  cards. 

My  whole,  a Scottish  chief,  is  praised 
By  ballad,  bard,  and  story, 

Who  for  his  country  gave  his  life, 
And,  dying,  fell  with  glory. 


82.  AVliy  are  handsome  women  like  bread? 

33.  Why  is  an  avaricious  man  like  one  with  a short 
memory ! 

34.  What  river  in  Bavaria  answ^ers  the  question,  Whe 
is  there  ? 

85.  Why  is  a man  with  wooden  legs  like  one  who  has 
an  even  bargain  ? 


81,  My  first  is  found  in  every  house, 
From  wintry  winds  it  guards. 


If'BBfiY’s  300?  PVZ 


13  MEEEy’s  OF  PUZZLES. 

88.  Why  is  a parish  bell  like  a good  story  I 

39.  What  belongs  to  yourself,  yet  is  used  by  others 
more  than  yourself  ? 

4-0.  In  camps  about  the  centre  I appear ; 

In  smiling  meadows  seen  throughout  the  year; 

The  silent  angler  views  me  in  the  streams, 

And  all  must  trace  me  in  their  morning  dreams , / 

First  in  the  mob  conspicuous  I stand,  | 

Proud  of  the  lead,  and  ever  in  command.  | 

41.  The  head  of  a whale  is  six  feet  long ; his  tail  is  asj 

long  as  his  head  and  half  his  body,  and  his  body  is  half  I 
of  his  whole  length.  How  long  is  the  whale  f j 

42.  A hundred  stones  are  placed,  in  a straight  line,  a( 
yard  distant  from  each  other.  How  many  yards  must  al 
person  walk,  who  undertakes  to  pick  them  up,  and  place^ 
them  in  a basket  stationed  one  yard  from  the  first  stone  ? \ 

43.  My  first  is  a part  of  the  day. 

My  last  a conductor  of  light. 

My  whole  to  take  measure  of  time, 

Is  useful  by  day  and  by  night. 

44.  I am  a word  of  three  syllables,  each  of  which  is  a 
word ; my  first  is  an  article  in  common  use  ; my  second, 
an  animal  of  uncommon  intelligence ; my  third,  though 
not  an  animal,  is  used  in  carrying  burdens.  My  whole 
is  a useful  art. 

45.  There  was  a man  who  was  not  born, 

His  father  was  not  born  before  him. 

He  did  not  live,  he  did  not  die. 

And  his  epitaph  is  not  o’er  him. 

46.  Why  is  a nail,  fast  in  the  wall,  like  an  old  man  f 

47.  Why  does  a miller  wear  a white  bat  ? 


plifiliiiiiin 


aimmiiieSi 


iUtRMSEh^s 


MBSST’s  book  of  P/^ZZLBfl. 


14 


8 -b 

HBBBT  ®Op  K OB  BTT2ZLEII. 

M.My  first  is  a letter  \jommanding  to  wed, 

Or  to  lift  your  sole  till  it  reaches  your  head ; 
Nothing  worth  as  a whole,  it  is  plain  to  all  men 
That  divided  in  halves,  it  is  equal  to  ten  ; 

My  second,  though  nothing,  compared  to  the  other, 
Is  worth  more  as  a partner  than  its  double-faced  brother} 
It  moans  and  it  sighs,  and  when  joined  to  my  first, 
Pronounces  the  doom  of  the  sinner  accursed. 

My  third,  you  will  find  his  whole  value  depends 
On  the  worth  and  position  of  neighbors  and  friends, 
And,  when  both  the  other  two  following  fair. 
Changes  doom  to  desire,  and  a curse  to  a prayer. 

My  fourth,  though  it  formeth  no  part  of  a hundred. 
Shows  where  it  can  justly  and  evenly  be  sundered  * 
’Tis  found  in  the  elements  everywhere  present, 

’Tis  found  in  all  seasons,  unpleasant  or  pleasant, 
’Tis  the  chief  of  all  lands,  and  vet  can  not  wait 
On  continent,  hemisphere,  empire,  or  state. 

Though  ne’er  in  Great  Britain  suspected  to  lower, 
’Tis  the  heart  of  each  quarter  of  that  mighty  power} 
It  always  belonged  to  the  animal  race. 

In  the  mineral  kingdom  they  gave  it  a place, 

A.nd,  being  impartial,  they  could  not  deny, 

The  vegetable  order  its  virtue  to  try ; 

&.nd  yet,  since  creation,  it  never  was  known 
In  beast,  bird,  or  fish,  root,  branch,  stem,  or  stone. 

My  whole  you’ll  find  growing  in  pasture  and  bams, 
Or  grown  in  coats,  carpets, warm  blankets,  and  yams, 
In  England,  in  Saxony,  France,  and  old  Wales, 
And  in  sundry  more  places  it  always  prevails. 

Of  quadrupedal  origin — still  it  is  known 
In  bipedal  families  oft  to  be  shown  ; [tioni 

But  the  strangest  of  all  its  strange  forms  and  oondi* 
la  seen  in  the  covering  of  sage  politicians. 


16  hebby’s  book  of  pbzzlbs. 

68.  What  is  that  which  is  invisible,  but  never  out  of 
Bight  ? 

64.  When  is  a boat  like  a knife  ? 

65.  What  part  of  London  is  in  France 

56.  How  many  black  beans  will  make  five  white  ones:' 

57.  Why  is  a dandy  like  a haunch  of  venison  ? . 

68.  Whats*  kin  is  that  child  to  its  father  who  is  not  ita 
father’s  own  son  ? 

69.  Why  is  a rose-bud  like  a promissory  note  ? 

60.  What  biblical  name  is  there  which  expresses  a 
father  calling  his  son  by  name,  and  his  son  replying  ? 

61.  Why  is  an  orange  not  like  a church  bell  ? 

62.  Why  is  the  largest  city  in  Ireland  likely  to  be  the 
•argest  city  in  the  world  ? 

63.  Three-fourths  of  a cross,  and  a circle  complete, 

An  upright  where  two  semicircles  meet, 

A rectangle  triangle  standing  on  feet, 

Two  semicircles,  and  a circle  complete. 

64.  What  smells  most  in  a drug  shop  f 

65.  Why  should  doctors  attend  to  window-sashes  f 

p I 

66.  G.  a.  ^ 

67.  What  is  that  which  every  one  can  divide,  but  no 
one  can  see  where  it  has  been  divided  t 

68.  Spell  hard  water  with  three  letters. 

69.  What  letters  of  the  alphabet  come  too  late  fot 
tapper  ? 


ALLWAS 


i SULL  HAUNTED 


CLOSED  HER 


INC  MURasMURS^S^B 

^ MEET 

lovers 

WOES . 


rnoimced  as  one  letter,  and  written  with  three, 

; ^ otters  there  are,  and  two  only  in  me ; 

.e,  Pm  single.  I’m  black,  blue,  and  gray, 
jad  from  both  ends,  and  the  same  either  way, 
.1  restless  and  wandering,  steady  and  fixed, 

And  you  know  not  one  hour  what  I may  be  the  next. 
I melt,  and  I kindle — beseech,  and  defy, 

I am  watery  and  moist,  I am  fiery  and  dry. 

I am  scornful  and  scowling,  compassionate,  meek ; 
I am  light,  I am  dark,  I am  strong,  I am  weak. 

Fm  piercing  and  clean,  I am  heavy  and  dull ; 
Expressive  and  languid,  contracted  and  full. 

Fm  a globe  and  a mirror,  a window,  a door, 

An  index,  an  organ,  and  fifty  things  more. 

I belong  to  all  animals  under  the  sun. 

And  to  those  who  were  long  understood  to  haw 
none. 

My  language  is  plain,  though  it  can  not  be  heard, 
And  I speak  without  even  pronouncing  a word. 
Some  call  me  a diamond — some  say  I am  jet ; 
Others  talk  of  my  water,  or  how  I am  set. 

Fm  a borough  in  England,  in  Scotland  a stream. 
And  an  isle  of  the  sea  in  the  Irishman’s  dream. 
The  earth  without  me  would  no  loveliness  wear. 
And  sun,  moon,  and  stars  at  my  wish  disappear. 
Yet  so  frail  is  my  tenure,  so  brittle  my  joy. 

That  a speck  gives  me  pain,  and  a drop  can  destroy. 

73.  What  vessel  is  that  which  is  always  asking  leave 
to  aaove  f 

74.  Translate  the  following  into  Latin — 

42,  8 rocks,  e e e e e e e e e e,  46.  2.  14.  8.  0. 

75.  How  is  it  that  you  can  work  with  an  awl,  but  not 
with  a forceps ; while  I can  work  with  a forceps,  and  not 
with  an  awl  t 


MBRBT’s  book  op 


18 


90 


MEBB^'S  BOOK  OF  PUZZLES. 

77.  Add^  was  the  word  the  master  gave  to  Dick, 

Dick  scratched  his  head,  and  looking  rather  thick, 
Keplied,  “ Hereafter  it  would  make  it  stickP 
‘‘Dick,’’  cried  the  master,  “ rudeness  is  a sin  ; 
Behold  the  stocks.  I’ll  surely  put  you  m.” 

“ That,”  answered  Dick,  “ w'ori’t  alter  it  a feather, 
Hereafter  it  would  make  it  hold  together 
“ Dick,”  said  the  man,  “ if  you  insult  me  so, 

Your  shoulders  and  my  rod  I’ll  put  in  CoP 
“ ’Tis  all  the  same,”  said  Dick,  “ my  worthy  master, 
Hereafter  it  would  make  it  stick  the  faster P 

78.  Why  is  France  like  a skeleton  ? 

79.  Why  is  a woodman  like  a stage  actor? 

80.  Why  is  the  hour  of  noon  on  the  dial-plate  like  a 
pair  of  spectacles  ? 

81.  Wh}^  is  the  best  baker  most  in  want  of  bread  ? 

82.  Whether  old  Homer  tippled  wine  or  beer. 

Julep  or  cider,  history  is  not  clear ; 

But  plain  it  is — the  bard,  though  wont  to  roam. 
But  for  one  liquid,  never  had  left  home. 

83.  Why  is  a coward  like  a mouse-trap  ? 

84.  Why  is  green  grass  like  a mouse? 

85.  What  two  reasons  why  whispering  in  company  i:^ 
not  proper  ? 

86.  My  first  is  found  on  the  ocean  wave. 

In  the  spring,  the  pit,  and  tlie  mine; 

My  second  below  earth’s  surface  you  have, 
Where  seldom  the  sun  can  shine. 

My  whole  your  dinner-table  must  grace. 

And  seldom  fails  to  obtain  a place. 

87.  Why  is  a gooseberry  pie  like  counterfeit  money  I 


M xxxkt’s  book  or  fuzzlisi. 

W.  Why  doea  a fisherman  blow  his  horn  I 

90.  Why  is  there  no  danger  of  starving  in  a desert  ? 

91.  Take  half  of  the  needle 

By  which  sailors  steer 
Their  ship  through  the  water. 

Be  it  cloudy  or  clear ; 

Do  not  really  break  it — 

This  of  all  things  were  worst-- 
But  in  your  mind  take  it, 

And  this  makes  my  first. 

At  thanksgiving  or  Christmas, 

My  second  you  see ; 

With  care  well  compounded, 

From  grain,  shrub,  and  tree. 

My  whole  like  some  people 
Who  make  great  pretense, 

Of  words  have  a plenty. 

But  no  great  stock  of  sense. 

92.  How  is  it  that  Methuselah  was  the  oldest  man. 
when  he  died  before  his  father  ? 

93.  My  first  is  a negative  greatly  in  use, 

By  which  people  begin  when  they  mean  to  refuse; 
My  second  is  Fashion,  or  so  called  in  France, 

But,  like  other  whims,  is  the  servant  of  chance. 

An  article  always  in  use  is  my  whole. 

With  texture  and  form  under  fashion’s  control ; 
But,  alas ! not  a thing  can  it  see  which  goes  by, 
Although  many  have  four  sights,  and  all  have  out 
eye. 

94:.  What  is  that  which,  supposing  its  greatest  breadth 
to  be  four  inches,  length  nine  inches,  and  depth  tlxree’ 
iBch^*  oAntja.ii\s  a solid  foot  f 


24 


ICBSSX’S  BOOK  OF  PUZZLK8. 


96.  Mj  tongue  is  long,  my  breath  is  strong. 

And  yet  I breed  no  strife ; 

My  voice  you  hear  both  far  and  near, 

And  yet  I have  no  life. 

97.  A waterman  rows  a given  distance,  a,  and  back 
again  in  h hours,  and  finds  that  he  can  row  o miles  with 
the  current,  for  d miles  against  it.  Kequired,  the  time  of 
rowing  down,  the  time  of  rowing  np,  the  rate  of  current, 
and  the  rate  of  rowing. 

98.  As  I was  beating  on  the  far  east  grounds. 

Up  starts  a hare  before  my  two  greyhounds ; 

The  dogs,  being  light  of  foot,  did  fairly  run. 

To  her  fifteen  rods,  just  twenty-one  ; 

And  the  distance  that  she  started  up  before, 

Was  six-and-ninety  rods,  just  and  no  more  ; 

Now,  I would  have  you  Merry  boys  declare 
How  far  they  ran,  before  they  caught  the  hare. 

99.  Is  it  possible  to  put  twelve  pieces  of  money  in  six 
rows,  and  have  four  in  a row  ? 

100.  A gentleman  sent  a servant  with  a present  of  nine 

ducks,  with  this  direction — „ 

“ To  Alderman  Gobble,  with  ix.  ducks.” 

The  servant  took  out  three,  and  contrived  it  so  that 
direction  corresponded  with  the  number  of  the  ducks.  He 
neither  erased  nor  altered  a letter.  How  did  he  do  it  I 

101.  Four  letters  form  me  quite  complete. 

As  all  who  breathe  do  show ; 

Eeversed,  you’ll  find  I am  the  seat 
Of  infamy  and  woe. 

Transposed,  you’ll  see  I’m  base  and  mean. 
Again  of  Jewish  race  ; 

Transposed  once  more,  I oft  am  seen  { 

To  hide  a lovely  face. 


HEBBT'8  BOOS  OF  PUZZLES 


25 


M KXSBT  8 BOOK  OY  YI7ZZLX8. 

103.  My  first  is  the  name  to  an  article  given 

For  ladies  and  dandies  to  put  on  their  linen ; 

It  comes  from  the  forest,  IVe  heard  people  say, 
And  is  made  from  the  skin  of  an  animal  gay. 

My  second  is  a fruit  that  comes  from  the  South, 
The  juice  of  it  is  sour,  and  ’twill  pucker  yo^r 
mouth  ; 

’Tis  found  in  candy  shops  all  over  the  town, 

And,  stranger  to  say,  it  is  almost  round. 

My  whole  is  an  article  that  is  often  seen 

In  the  gardens  and  fields  almost  covered  with  green, 

It  is  very  sweet,  and  also  pleasant  to  eat. 

And  in  hot  summer  days  affords  a rich  treat. 

104.  My  first  is  half  of  what  im^plies  good-humor ; my 
second  makes  sense  of  my  first ; my  third  sounds  like  the 
cry  of  a kitten;  my  fourth  is  a consonant  and  vowel  com- 
bined ; m}^  fifth,  with  the  addition  of  the  initial  of  my 
third,  would  imply  silence ; and  my  whole  is  what  many 
boys  and  girls  prize  highly. 

105.  I am  composed  of  twelve  letters. 

My  2,  8,  9,  is  a substance  dug  out  of  the  earth. 

‘‘  6,  11,  12,  8,  is  a numeral. 

‘‘  4,  2,  3,  is  an  ancient  instrument  of  war. 

12,  8,  1,  is  a vessel  used  in  former  times. 

‘‘  6,  is  a vowel. 

4,  7,  1,  9,  is  a hard  substance. 

10,  9,  is  a pronoun. 

My  whole  is  now  before  you. 

106.  My  first  is  appropriate,  my  second  ’tis  nine  to  one 
if  you  guess  it.  My  whole  elevates  the  sole  above  the 
earth. 

107.  Why  is  a conundrum  like  a monkey  ? 

108.  What  do  we  all  do  when  we  first  get  into  bed  ? 


HBBBT  8 BOOK  OF  PUZZLES 


27 


BLOOM 


28  mbeby’b  book  of  pxjzzlbb. 

111.  There  is  one  word  in  the  English  language  which 
is  universally  considered  a preventive  of  harm  ; change  a 
certain  letter  in  it,  and  you  make  it  an  act  of  cruelty. 

112.  My  first  may  be  fashioned  of  iron  or  wood, 

And  at  window  or  door  for  safety  is  placed ; 

In  village  or  town  it  does  more  harm  than  good, 
Leading  people  their  health,  time,  and  monejf 
to  waste. 

My  second’s  a lady,  bewitching  and  fair, 

And  for  love  of  her  people  will  labor  and  strive  ; 
Will  rise  before  dawn,  and  be  wearied  with  care, 
And  pursue  her  with  ardor  as  long  as  they  live. 
My  whole  is  what  ladies  admire  and  approve. 

The  shopkeeper’s  boast — the  purchaser’s  prize  ; 
’Tis  a ninepenny  chintz — ’tis  a one-shilling  glove — 
It  is  something  which  makes  people  open  their 
eyes. 

113.  At  what  distance  must  a body  have  fallen  to  ac- 
quire the  velocity  of  1,600  feet  per  second  ? 

114:.  Of  what  trade  is  the  sun  in  May? 

115.  Why  is  a small  horse  like  a young  musk-melon  f 

116  My  first  must  grace  a legal  deed. 

With  its  companion,  firm  and  red  ; 

Its  help  in  marriage,  too,  they  need. 

Before  the  blessing  can  be  said. 

My  second  half  a hundred  is. 

If  in  the  shortest  way  you  spell ; 

You  soon  must  guess  me  after  this, 

I may  as  well  the  secret  tell. 

My  whole,  by  his  celestial  strains 
Bears  the  rapt  soul  to  worlds  above ; 

The  Great  Creator’s  power  proclaims, 

And  tells  of  the  Kedeemer’s  love. 


UEBBT  S BOOS  OF  PUZZLES 


29 


'Away 

^^THAT 

ill■WA&^ 


dJR^TH  EU/HICH  nmvs 


"^iTHAT 


CHEEKS 


OTHERS 


30 


kbbby’s  book  ov  puzzles. 


119.  My  first  is  a boy’s  nickname ; my  second  is  meant 
for  defense;  my  third  is  a preposition ; my  fourth  is  one  of 
the  articles;  my  fifth  is  one  of  the  Dnited  States.  My 
whole  is  a large  city  in  Europe. 

120.  My  first  is  stationed  near  your  heart, 

And  serves  to  brace  the  mortal  frame  ; 

Of  young  and  old  it  forms  a part, 

And  to  fair  woman  gives  a name. 

Who  builds  a ship  must  it  employ. 

To  give  it  strength  to  stem  the  fiood, 

And  Adam  felt  no  real  joy 

Till  in  new  form  by  him  it  stood. 

My  second  may  be  long  or  short. 

Or  tight  or  loose,  or  wet  or  dry. 

Of  cotton,  silk,  or  woolen  wrought. 

Of  any  texture,  strength,  or  dye — 

Be  made  of  iron,  gold,  or  steel. 

Of  love  or  hate,  of  good  or  ill. 

May  gently  bind,  or  heavy  feel. 

May  give  support,  or  rudely  kill. 

My  whole  is  formed  by  fashion,  skill,  and  care. 

And  what  few  ladies  from  their  dress  can  spare. 

121.  How  long  would  a ball  be  falling,  from  the  top  of 
a tower  that  was  400  feet  high,  to  the  earth  ? 

122.  Why  are  chairs  like  men  ? 

123.  The  foot  of  a ladder  60  feet  long  remaining  in  tne 
same  place,  the  top  will  just  reach  a window  40  feet  high 
on  one  side  of  the  street,  and  another  30  feet  high  on  the 
other  side.  How  wide  is  the  street  ? 

124.  There  is  a pile  of  cannon-balls,  the  ground  tier  of 
which  contains  289  balls,  and  the  top  tier  one  ball.  Re- 
quire the  whole  number  of  balls  in  a pile. 


HBBBT’s  book  07  PUZZLBB. 


31 


135. 


32 


MERBY^B  BOOK  OF  PUZZLES. 


127.  What  skillful  housewife  does  not  know 

When,  where  to  place  my  first  ? 

When  nicely  done,  it  will  not  show ; 

Conspicuous,  it  is  worst. 

My  second  all  the  world  must  do, 

Either  with  head  or  hand, 

In  different  ways  the  same  pursue, 

On  water,  or  on  laud. 

My  whole  a picture  is  of  life, 

Varied  with  good  or  ill, 

With  bright  or  dull,  with  light  or  dark, 
Arranged  with  art  and  skill. 

128.  What  is  that  which  will  make  you  catch  cold- 
cure  the  cold — and  pay  the  doctor’s  bill? 

129.  Why  is  a joke  like  a cocoa-nut  ? 

130.  When  did  Esau,  the  hairy  man,  lose  his  whiskers! 

131.  Why  do  postmasters  deserve  the  execration  of  al) 
true  Americans  ? 

132.  Just  equal  are  my  head  and  tail, 

My  middle  slender  as  can  be, 

Whether  I stand  on  head  or  heel, 

’Tis  all  the  same  to  you  or  me. 

But  if  my  head  should  be  cut  off. 

The  matter’s  true,  although  ’tis  strange. 

My  head  and  body,  severed  thus. 

Immediately  to  nothing  change 

133.  If  a loafer,  smoking  a cigar,  sets  fire  to  the  brusn 
QD  his  upper  lip,  is  it  a case  of  spontaneous  combustion  \ 

134.  liv  sin  transgre  procur  damn 

A ing  ers  ssion  ed  ation. 
dy  Kedeem  pa  purchas  salv 


IfEKBT  S BOOK  OF  PCZZLB8 


88 


185. 


187. 


What  sailors  dread. 

8* 


84 


mebry’b  book 

138.  I. 

Go  wide  o’er  the  world, 

And  everywhere  seek  me — 
In  earth,  sea,  or  air. 

Thou  never  shalt  meet  me  ! 
Go  wide  o’er  the  world — 

I always  am  there — 
Wherevei  thou  roamest, 

In  earth,  sea,  or  air  I 

II. 

Go  speak  to  the  woodland, 
And  question  of  me — 

Oh  ne’er  shall  thou  find  me. 
With  forest  or  tree  ! 

Go,  speak  to  the  woodland, 

I ever  am  there. 

And  live  in  its  whispers, 
Though  lighter  than  air  1 
in. 

Go,  winnow  the  wave. 

And  seek  for  my  breath — 
Ah,  ocean  and  river, 

Reveal  but  my  death ! 

Go,  winnow  the  wave, 

Tho’  with  winter  it  shiver — 
There — there  shalt  thou  find 
’Mid  ocean  and  river  1 [me. 


OF  PUZZLBB. 

IV. 

In  whirlwinds  I revel. 

Yet  in  zephyrs  expire — 

I fiourish  in  warmth, 

And  I perish  in  fire  1 
The  winter  I cherish. 

Yet  each  season  I shun ; 
Half  living  in  harvest. 

In  summer,  undone ! 

V. 

I come  with  the  warlock— 
I go  with  the  ghoul — 

I shriek  with  the  wizard — 
I hoot  with  the  owl ! 

I ride  on  the  hazel 
Which  witches  have  rent — 
I fiy  on  the  wing 
Which  the  eagle  hath  bent 

VI. 

I come  and  I go — 

Oft  unseen* and  unsought ; 
I live  but  in  words — 

I perish  in  thought. 

So  to  all  and  to  each, 

I bid  you  adieu  ; 

Yet  to  all  and  to  each, 

I stay  double  with  you ! 


139.  Why  is  the  boy  that  disturbs  a hive  like  a true 
Christian ! 

140.  What  is  that  which  has  eyes  and  sees  not,  ears 
and  hears  not,  nose  and  smells  not,  yet  is  often  regarded 
as  the  hemiridedL  of  a human  being. 

141.  Why  is  the  elephant  his  own  servant  f 


HEBBY  S BOOK  OF  PUZZLE*. 


S5 


142.  Which  of  the  forest  trees  bears  gain  ? 

143.  Who  was  the  heaviest  of  mechanics  I 

144.  Fm  a heavy  drag — few  things  more  slow. 

Cut  off  my  head,  and  give  me  a bow, 

And  swiftly  through  the  air  I go. 

145.  Why  are  two  heads  better  than  one  t 

146.  Why  is  a cart-horse  always  in  the  wrong  pla^e  ! 

147.  I follow  the  plough,  and  yet  I never  walk, 

Have  plenty  of  teeth,  yet  neither  eat  nor  talk, 
Am  strongly  barred,  and  yet  I never  close, 

I scratch  and  break,  but  never  deal  in  blows. 

148.  What  is  that  which  has  many  leaves,  but  n© 
stem? 

149.  Why  is  the  letter  F like  an  incendiary! 


86  kebbt’s  book  of  puzzles. 


150.  Abithmetical  Puzzle. — ^This  consists  of  six  slips  of 
paper  or  card,  on  which  are  written  numbers  as  expressed 
in  the  following  columns — 


anj  one  of  the  numbers  which  they  contain,  and  to  gire 


MEBBT  S BOOK  OF  PUZZLES. 


37 


to  the  expounder  of  the  question  those  slips  in  which  the 
number  thought  of  occurs.  To  discover  this  number,  the 
expounder  has  nothing  to  do  but  to  add  together  the  num- 
bers at  the  top  of  the  columns  put  into  his  hand.  Their 
sum  will  express  the  number  thought  of. 

ExamvpU, — Thus,  suppose  we  think  of  the  number  14, 
We  find  that  this  number  is  in  three  of  the  slips,  viz., 
those  marked  B,  C,  and  D,  which  are  therefore  given  to 
the  expounder,  who,  on  adding  together  2,  4,  and  8,  ob- 
tains 14,  the  number  thought  of. 

/ The  trick  may  be  varied  in  the  following  manner : In- 
stead of  giving  to  the  expounder  the  slips  containing  the 
number  thought  of,  these  may  be  kept  back,  and  those  in 
which  the  number  does  not  occur  be  given.  In  this  case, 
the  expounder  must  add  together,  as  before,  the  numbers 
at  the  top  of  the  columns,  and  subtract  their  sum  from 
63.  The  remainder  will  be  the  number  thought  of. 

^ The  slips  containing  the  columns  of  numbers  are  usu- 
ally marked  with  letters  on  the  back,  and  not  above  the 
columns,  as  we  have  expressed  them.  This  renders  the 
deception  more  complete,  as  the  expounder,  knowing  be- 
forehand the  number  at  the  top  of  each  column,  has  only 
to  examine  the  letters  at  the  back  of  the  slips  given  him, 
when  he  performs  the  problem  without  looking  at  the 
numbers,  and  thus  renders  the  trick  more  extraordinary. 

151.  A pair  of  little  quadrupeds, 

Transpose  them,  and  you’ll  find 
The  lords  of  ocean,  or  the  aids 
For  disciplining  mind  ; 

Or  that  which  cheers  the  midnight  hour, 

Or  gilds  the  flagstaff  high  ; 

Now  test  your  transposition  power. 

And  for  the  answer  try. 

iSi.  When  is  a chair  like  a rich  lady’s  dress  1 


88 


merbt’s  book  of  puzzles. 


153.  One  one  four  «’s,  two  r's,  two  rs,  two  Ts — 
what  do  they  make,  and  who  has  made  a fortune  by  them  f 

154.  What  odd  number  will  give,  on  being  divided,  a 
half  clear  of  a fraction  ? 

155.  Fm  in  the  book,  but  not  on  any  leaf ; 

Fm  in  the  mouth,  but  not  in  lip  or  teeth  ; 

I’m  in  the  atmosphere,  but  never  in  the  air  ; 

I wait  on  every  one,  but  never  on  a pair  ; 

I am  with  you  wherever  you  may  go ; 

And  every  thing  you  do  Fm  sure  to  know  ; 

Though  when  you  did  it  I should  not  be  there. 

Yet  when  ’twas  done,  you’d  find  me  in  the  chair. 

156.  What  is  the  difference  between  Joan  of  Arc  and 
Noah’s  ark  ? 

157.  I am  composed  of  seventeen  letters. 

My  4,  6,  10,  is  what  we  all  do. 

“ 5,  8,  14,  11,  is  a great  part  of  the  body. 

‘‘  1,  13,  9,  15,  is  the  name  of  a fish. 

‘‘  7,  16,  2,  10,  is  a part  of  speech. 

‘‘  13,  8,  3,  is  the  name  of  a fowl. 

‘‘  6,  15,  14,  is  a girl’s  name. 

“ 17,  6,  10,  15,  is  very  useful  to  vessels. 

‘‘  13,  6,  12,  is  a personal  pronoun. 

My  whole  is  what  we  may  all  expect  if  we  live. 

158.  My  first  is  an  instrument,  which,  though  small, 
has  more  power  than  any  monarch  on  earth.  It  is  the 
lover’s  friend  and  the  poet’s  pride  ; yet  has  overthrown 
kingdoms,  ruined  reputations,  set  folks  together  by  the 
ears,  and  caused  more  destruction  than  plagues,  pesti- 
lence, or  famine.  My  second,  though  not  quite  so  mis 
chievous,  is  very  destructive  when  in  improper  hands,  and 
my  whole,  though  employed  against  my  first,  is  deemed 
its  friend  and  improver. 


99 


MBERT’s  book  of  PtrzZLBB. 

LEAP  FROG. 

169.  This  is  a most 
excellent  pastime.  It 
should  be  played  in  a 
spacious  place,  out  of 
doors,  if  possible,  and 
the  more  there  are  en- 
gaged in  it,  provided 
they  be  of  the  same 
height  and  agility,  the 
better  is  the  sport.  W e 
will  suppose  a dozen 
at  play  : — Let  eleven 
of  them  stand  in  a 
row,  about  six  yards 
apart,  with  all  their 
faces  in  one  direction,  arms  folded,  or  their  hands  resting 
on  their  thighs,  their  elbows  in,  and  their  heads  bent  for- 
ward, so  that  the  chin  of  each  rests  on  his  breast,  the 
right  foot  advanced,  the  back  a little  bent,  the  shoulders 
rounded,  and  the  body  firm.  The  last  begins  the  sport 
by  taking  a short  run,  placing  his  hands  on  the  shoulders 
of  the  nearest  player,  and  leaping  with  their  assistance — 
of  course,  springing  with  his  feet  at  the  same  time — over 
his  head,  as  represented  in  the  cut.  Having  cleared  the 
first,  he  goes  on  to  the  second,  third,  fourth,  fifth,  etc.,  in 
succession,  and  as  speedily  as  possible.  When  he  has 
gone  over  the  last,  he  goes  to  the  proper  distance,  and 
places  himself  in  position  for  all  the  players  to  leap  ovei 
him  in  their  turn.  The  first  over  wJiom  he  passed,  follows 
him  over  the  second,  third,  fourth,  etc. ; and  when  he 
has  gone  over,  the  one  who  begun  the  game  places  him- 
self in  like  manner  for  the  others  to  jump  over  him.  The 
third  follows  the  second,  and  so  on  until  the  parties  are 
tired. 


40 


litEBBY^S  BOOB  OF  PTJZZLE8. 


160.  His  heart  was  sad,  and  his  foot  was  sore, 

When  a stranger  knocked  at  the  cottager’s  door ; 
With  travel  faint,  as  the  night  fell  down, 

He  had  missed  his  way  to  the  nearest  town. 

And  he  prayed  for  water  to  quench  his  thirst, 

And  he  showed  his  purse  as  he  asked  for  mj  fir$i 
The  cotter  was  moved  by  the  stranger’s  tale. 

He  spread  the  board,  and  he  poured  the  ale : 

‘‘  The  river,”  he  said,  ‘‘  flows  darkly  down 
Betwixt  your  path  and  the  lighted  town, 

And  far  from  hence  its  stream  is  crossed 
By  the  bridge  on  the  road  that  you  have  lost ; 
Gold  may  not  buy,  till  your  weary  feet 
Have  traversed  the  river  and  reached  the  street, 
The  thing  you  ask  ; but  the  wandering  moon 
Will  be  out  in  the  sky  with  her  lantern  soon ; 
Then  cross  o’er  the  meadow,  and  look  to  the  right, 
And  you’ll  find  my  second  by  her  light.” 

My  second  shone  like  a silver  floor, 

When  the  traveler  passed  from  the  cotter’s  door ; 
He  saw  the  town  on  its  distant  ridge. 

Yet  he  sighed  no  more  for  the  far-off  bridge; 

And  his  wish  of  the  night  soon  gained  its  goal, 
For  he  found  mjf/rst  when  he  reached  my  whole. 

161.  What  two  letters  of  the  alphabet  make  a prophet  I 

I 8 0 

163.  Plant  an  orchard  of  twenty-one  trees,  so  that  there 
shall  be  nine  straight  rows,  with  flve  trees  in  each  row, 
the  outline  a regular  geometrical  figure,  and  the  trees  all 
at  unequal  distances  from  each  other. 

164.  B 0 yy — ^ for  U c what  a fool  u b. 

nice 


MBBBT'S  book  OB  PTTZZLB*. 


41 


165.  What  part  of  the  horse  resembles  you  ? 

166.  Why  is  a horse  like  the  prophet  Elijah  ? 

167.  Why  is  a new  married  man  like  a horse  ? 

168.  Why  is  it  profitable  to  keep  fowl  ? 

169.  My  first  is  a collection  of  water ; my  second  in 
used  when  speaking  of  myself ; my  third  is  a fruit ; my 
whole  is  a town  in  Hindostan. 

170.  ‘‘  Thomas,”  said  Charles,  “ yon  are  good  at  fig^ 
ures,  please  give  me  2^ figv/rative  answer  to  this  question: 
— What  ought  one  to  do  who  arrives  at  a friend’s  house 
too  late  for  dinner?” 

Thomas,  after  thinking  a little,  wrote  the  following— 
1028,40.  What  was  his  meaning  f 


42 


mekey’b  book  of  puzzles. 


171.  A teacher,  having  fifteen  young  ladies  under 
care,  wished  them  to  take  a walk  each  day  of  the  week. 
They  were  to  walk  in  five  divisions  of  three  ladies  each 
but  no  two  ladies  were  to  be  allowed  to  walk  togethei 
twice  during  the  week.  How  could  they  be  arranged  tc* 
suit  the  above  conditions  ? 

172.  My  first  is  a letter,  an  insect,  a word. 

That  means  to  exist ; it  moves  like  a bird. 

My  next  is  a letter,  a small  part  of  man, 

’Tis  found  in  all  climes  ; search  where  you  can. 
My  third  is  a something  seen  in  all  brawls. 

My  next  you  will  find  in  elegant  halls. 

My  last  is  the  first  of  the  laat  part  of  day. 

Is  ever  in  earnest,  yet  never  in  play. 

My  whole  gives  a light,  by  some  men  abhorred. 
The  blessings  from  which  no  pen  can  record. 

173.  What  number  is  that,  which,  added  separately  to 
100  and  164,  shall  make  them  perfect  squares! 

174.  Why  is  the  letter  F like  death  ? 

175.  Why  are  mortgages  like  burglars  ? 

176.  I’m  composed  of  letters  four, 

A turkey,  cock,  or  hen  ; 

Behead  me,  and  I upward  soar. 

Put  on  my  head  again. 

Transpose  me,  then  a beast  I am, 

Both  bloodthirsty  and  wild. 

That  preys  on  many  a helpless  lamb, 

And  oft  devours  a child. 

177.  I am  a word  of  three  letters,  signifying  to  tpoil 
or  injure.  Transposed,  I am  an  animal.  Transposed 
again,  I am  a part  of  the  human  frame. 


MEKBY  8 BOOK  OF  PUZZLES 


43 


178.  Why  is  a grist-mill  like  the  court-martial  which 
cashiered  Fremont? 

179.  I have  wings,  yet  never  fly — 

I have  sails,  yet  never  go— 

I can’t  keep  still,  if  I try, 

Yet  forever  stand  just  so. 

180.  Why  is  a grist-mill  like  an  orange-tree  ? 

181.  What  Scripture  character  was  a stupid  sheep  ? 

. 182.  What  animal  that  always  has  a cold  chin  is  used 
to  keep  the  ladies’  chins  warm  ? 

183.  What  two  reasons  why  a young  lady  going  to  the 
altar  is  certainly  going  wrong? 

184.  Why  is  it  dangerous  for  a teetotaler  to  have 
more  than  two  reasons  for  the  faith  that  is  in  him  i 

185.  What  is  the  most  cheerful  part  of  an  arsenal? 


u MEjRRy’s  book  ok  puzzles. 

186.  When  does  the  tongue  assume  the  functions  of 
the  teeth  ? 

187.  My  first  is  company,  my  second  is  without  com- 
pany, and  my  third  calls  company. 

188.  An  emblem  of  stupidity. 

My  first  in  forests  found ; 

Up  in  air  oft  rises  high. 

Though  fastened  to  the  ground, 

But  by  sharp  means  it  is  removed, 

And  managed  various  ways  ; 

By  art  or  skill  may  be  improved, 

Or,  perhaps,  it  makes  a blaze. 

My  second  is  of  every  kind. 

Is  good,  or  bad,  or  gay  ; 

Is  dull  or  bright,  to  suit  all  minds, 

By  night  as  well  as  day. 

The  patient  seaman  keeps  with  care  my  whole, 

And  well  it  knows  his  secrets  night  and  day; 

And  though  it  has  no  tongue,  nor  heart,  nor  soul, 

It  tells  the  story  of  the  ship’s  long  way. 

189.  There  is  a word  of  six  letters.  Take  oft  three 
letters  at  either  end,  and  add  another  letter,  and  it  will 
make  one  of  the  most  useful  members  of  the  body. 

190.  Tell  me  why  is  it,  if  you  lend 
But  forty  dollars  to  a friend. 

It  does  your  kindness  more  commend 
Than  if  five  hundred  you  should  send  ? 

191.  What  is  that  which  is  less  tired  the  longer  it  runs! 

192.  Why  is  a tailor  finishing  your  pants  like  a polite 
host  serving  his  guests  with  water-fowl  ? 

193.  What  was  a month  old  at  Cain’s  birth,  that  is  not 
five  weeks  old  now  ? 


194.  What  looks  worse  on  a lady’s  foot  than  a darned 
stocking  ? 

195.  Which  of  the  girls  can  answer  questions  beet ! 

196.  What  is  the  shape  of  a kiss  ? 

197.  My  first  is  a busy  industrious  thing, 

Without  which  no  bundle  your  porter  can  bring  ; 
My  second  is  nothing  to  speak  of,  yet  stands 
For  thousands  and  millions,  in  money  or  lands ; 
My  third  is  a question  we  meet  every  day. 
Relating  to  things  we  do,  think,  or  say ; 

My  whole  is  the  questioner — once  it  was  you. 

If  not,  ’twas  your  brother,  or  cousin,  or — whew  ! 
It  was  somebody  else  whom  your  grandmother  knew 


meeby’s  book  of  puzzles. 

198.  I am  composed  of  four  letters.  We  do  not  4 2 3, 
1 4 2 3,  2 3,  3 4 2. 

199.  My  first  is  a preposition. 

‘‘  second  implies  more  than  one. 
third  is  a pronoun, 
fourth  some  people  do  not  pay. 

“ whole  is  not  consistent. 

200.  I am  a word  of  four  letters  often  used  in  prayer. 
Transposed,  I become  what  every  one  professes. 
Transposed  again,  I become  an  adjective,  the  qual- 
ities of  which  every  one  despises. 

Transposed  again,  I am  part  of  a horse. 

801.  My  first  is  poison,  slow  yet  sure, 

That  preys  on  many  frames  ; 

Compounded  oft  of  things  impure, 

And  called  by  many  names. 

My  first  and  second  form  my  whole, 

That’s  one  of  Satan’s  dens ; 

Many  a man  has  lost  his  soul, 

Through  meeting  there  with  friends. 

202.  I am  a word  of  four  letters — the  name  of  a Gape. 
Transposed,  I am  a portion  of  the  earth’s  surface. 
Transposed  again,  I am  a kind  of  meat. 
Transposed  again,  I become  a verb  signifying  to 
wash. 

903.  I prove  2 = 1,  thus : — 

X = a ; then  x*  = ax 
X*  — a*  = ax  — a^ 

(x  + a)  (x  — a)  = a (x  — a) 

X + a = a 
2 a = a 
2=1 

Who  will  detect  the  fallacy  f 


MEBEY^S  BOOK  OF  PUZZLES.  41 


204.  In  what  ship,  and  in  what  capacity,  do  young 
ladies  like  to  engage  ? 

205.  Ethereal  thing,  on  unseen  wing. 

Through  space  my  first  is  wandering ; 

It  nothing  sees,  it  nothing  knows. 

Yet  all  that’s  known  and  seen  it  shows. 

Brick,  iron,  mud,  stone,  reed,  or  wood, 

My  second  in  all  climes  has  stood — 

A lodge,  a nest,  where  love  iliay  rest. 

Or  a prison,  gloomy,  dark,  unblest. 

Away  on  the  bleak  and  desolate  peak 
Where  the  rude  tempests  howl  and  shriek, 

Like  a friendly  eye,  looking  out  from  the  sky. 

My  whole  to  the  wanderer  gleams  on  high. 

206.  What  kind  of  a ship  did  Solomon  object  to  f 


48  icbsst’s  book  of  puzzles. 

207.  There  are  two  numbers  whose  product  added  to 
the  sum  of  their  squares  is  109,  and  the  difference  of 
whose  squares  is  24. 

208.  In  every  hedge  my  second  is, 

As  well  as  every  tree. 

And  when  poor  school-boys  act  amiss, 

It  often  is  their  fee. 

My  first  likewise  is  always  wicked, 

Yet  ne’er  committed  sin. 

My  total  for  my  first  is  fitted, 

Composed  of  brass  or  tin. 

209.  My  first  is  a pronoun  ; my  second  is  not  high ; 
my  third  we  must  all  do  ; my  fourth  is  a pronoun  of  mul- 
titude ; my  whole  is  musical. 

210.  What  is  the  difference  between  a grandmother 
and  her  infant  grandchild  ? 

211.  Add  one  to  nine  and  make  it  twenty. 

212.  What  is  that  which  the  dead  and  living  do  at  the 
same  time  ? 

213.  When  winter  months  have  passed  away, 

And  summer  suns  shine  bright. 

You  ope  the  coffer  where  I lay. 

And  bring  my  first  to  light. 

My  second  is  a valiant  knight, 

Who  wears  his  crest  and  spur, 

And  when  he’s  challenged  to  a fight. 

He  does  not  long  demur. 

My  whole*  as  ancient  fables  say. 

Was  once  a friend  of  Juno, 

In  dress  he  makes  a great  display — 

His  name  by  this  time  you  know. 

214.  Why  is  a bullet  like  a tender  glance? 


mbebt’s  book  of  puzzlbb 


49 


216.  When  innocence  first  had  its  dwelling  on  earth, 
In  my  first’s  lovely  form  it  alighted  ; 

And  still  to  this  time,  from  the  honr  of  its  birth, 
In  my  first  it  has  greatly  delighted. 

My  second’s  a part  of  a smart  lady’s  dress, 

Yet  on  age  it  may  also  be  found  ; 

Again,  ’tis  a garb  when  the  heart  feels  distress — 
And  my  whole  does  with  pleasure  abound. 

816.  Whj  are  children  at  play  like  a bird  in  her  nest  ? 

8 


50  mejbey’s  book  of  puzzles. 

217 . My  first  is  male  or  female,  young  or  old, 

^ Tis  rery  sad  if  you  are  forced  to  doubt  one ; 
Much  must  we  pity  the  false  heart  or  cold, 

Who  is  BO  selfish  as  to  live  without  one. 

My  second  is  a noble  work  of  art, 

Which  brings  together  distant  shores  and  lands  j 
Though  neither  feet  it  has,  nor  head,  nor  heart, 
’Tis  often  furnished  with  a hundred  hands. 

My  whole  in  youth  or  age,  sickness  or  health. 

In  joy  or  sorrow,  charms  to  life  can  give ; 
Without  it,  all  in  vain  are  hoards  of  wealth, 

By  it  unblest  in  solitude  we  live. 

218.  What  spice  are  the  Hindoos  fond  of? 

219.  Why  is  a dog  like  a tanner? 

220.  Why  are  A B’s  successors  seedy  ? 

221.  What  is  nothing  good  for  ? 

222.  I am  composed  of  four  letters — the  initials  of  tom 
of  the  principal  personages  in  Europe — the  name  of  a 
river  in  Russia;  transposed,  I am  a part  of  the  CrystaJ 
Palace  ; transposed  again,  I am  not  proudy  although  ele 
vated  above  the  heads  of  most  people. 

223.  My  first  is  when  the  summer  wind 

Sweeps  rustlingly  through  the  trees, 

When  the  jasmine  spray  and  the  eglantine 
Are  swayed  by  the  whispering  breeze ; 

My  second,  a weapon  of  bloody  strife, 

Of  steel,  so  cruel  and  cold, 

Which  ruthlessly  takes  the  soldier’s  life. 

The  cowardly,  and  the  bold; 

My  whole  is  a Poet,  by  every  one  known, 

So  wide  is  his  renown. 

224.  Why  is  the  letter  y like  a young  spendthrift? 


msbby’s  book  of  puzzlbb. 


51 


226.  Why  is  memory  like  the  peacock? 

226.  My  first  in  the  garden  luxuriantly  grows^ 
Delicious  and  sweet,  as  every  one  knows  ^ 

My  second  a noisy,  vain,  garrulous  thing, 

The  lord  of  a harem,  as  proud  as  a king ; 

My  whole  is  still  prouder,  and  seems  to  rejoice 
As  much  in  his  tail  as  he  does  in  his  voice. 

227.  One  man  said  to  another,  Give  me  one  of  yonr 
.dieep,  and  1 shall  have  twice  as  many  as  you.”  The 
Ollier  replied,  ‘‘  No,  give  me  one  of  yours,  and  I shall 
have  as  many  as  you.”  How  many  had  each? 

228.  Where  were  potatoes  first  found? 

229.  Where  did  cherries  come  from  ? 

830,  Why  is  a ship  under  full  sail  like  Niagara? 


62  merry’s  book  of  PUZZLBi, 

231.  O^er  a mighty  pasture  go 

Sheep  in  thousands,  silver  white ; 

As  to-day  we  see  them,  so 
In  the  oldest  grandsire’s  sight. 

They  drink — never  waning  old— 

Life  from  an  unfailing  brook ; 

There’s  a shepherd  to  their  fold, 

With  a silver-horned  crook. 

From  a gate  of  gold  let  out. 

Night  by  night  he  counts  them  over 
Wide  the  field  they  rove  about. 

Never  hath  he  lost  a rover : 

True  the  dog  that  helps  to  lead  them, 

One  gay  ram  in  front  we  see ; 

What  the  flock,  and  who  doth  lead  them, 

Sheep  and  shepherd,  tell  to  me? 

232.  I am  a word  of  four  letters.  Take  off  my  hat,  and 
you  have  something  which  you  do  every  day.  Take 
off  my  head,  and  you  have  a preposition.  Leave  off  my 
head  and  put  on  my  hat,  and  you  have  something  used 
before  a door.  Entire,  and  taken  backward,  with  my 
two  middle  letters  transposed,  I am  a very  convenient 
thing.  I,  myself,  am  often  eaten. 

SS3.  What  part  of  a ship  was  Cain  ? 

284.  What  animal  resembles  the  sea,  and  why  f 

235.  What  animal  is  the  most  windy,  and  why? 

236.  What  animal  is  like  an  apothecary  ? 

23T.  What  anima.  is  like  a stone-breaker? 

238.  A man  had  a bar  of  lead  that  weighed  40  Ibe.,  and 
he  divided  it  into  four  pieces  in  such  a way  as  to  fellow 
him  to  weigh  any  number  of  pounds  from  one  to  for^ 
How  did  he  manage  the  matter  ? 


mbbet’s  book  of  puzzles. 


53 


239.  What  is  the  best  key  to  a good  dinner  ? 

240.  Why  is  a farm-yard  like  a hotel  ? 

241.  If  a woman  stands  behind  a tree,  how  does  the 
tree  stand? 

‘ 242.  Wherein  does  a turkey-cock  differ  from  a lady  f 

243.  Three  men  buy  a grindstone,  40  inches  in  diame- 
ter, on  equal  shares.  Each  one  is  to  use  it  until  he  has 
worn  away  his  share.  How  many  inches  in  diameter 
must  each  one  use? 

244.  What  two  letters  of  the  alphabet  do  children  like 
best? 

245.  Why  are  Cashmere  shawls  like  deaf  persons  ? 


54 


MEBRY  S BOOK  OF  PUZZLKI^ 


246.  Ye  mortals — wonder  1 I’m  an  elf, 

A strange,  mysterious  thing; 

More  powerful  than  all  the  sprites 
Within  a magic  ring. 

I speak — although  I have  no  tongue-- 
I speak,  and  thrill  the  soul ; 

I sing — and  many  a song  I’ve  sung 
Resounds,  while  ages  roll. 

I am  a weapon,  strong  and  keen. 

All  made  of  glittering  steel ; 

But  human  souls — not  senseless  flesh-«« 
My  sharp  two-edges  feel. 

The  greatest  writer  e’er  was  born— 
But,  ah  ! — a thievish  elf ; 

For  what  I write  is  not,  alas! 

Original  with  myself. 

I often  take  a cooling  bath ; 

But,  like  the  Ethiop’s  skin. 

When  I have  bathed,  I’m  blacker  still 
Than  when  I did  begin  1 

Most  kind  am  I;  I glad  the  he^rt 
Of  many  a wretched  wight. 

And  many  a sufferer  is  by  me 
Transported  with  delight. 

Most  cruel  I ; I’ve  pierced  the  soul 
With  cutting,  burning  darts; 

I’ve  dashed  the  fondest  hopes  to  earth, 
I’ve  crushed  the  lightest  hearts. 

Yet  wise  and  powerful  as  I am, 

A very  slave  am  I ; 

I’m  forced  the  mandates  to  obey 
Of  both  the  low  and  high. 

Now,  witty  brains,  tell  who  this  ig, 
Who  blesses  and  who  curses ; 

Who  has  no  hands,  yet  still  who  ia 
The  writer  of  these  verses. 


merry’s  book  of  PirZZLKg. 


U 


247.  Wily  is  an  Indian  like  a flirt? 

248.  W hy  is  an  Indian  like  a scholar  ? 

249.  How  much  silk  is  required  to  make  a sphetica^ 
balloon,  16  inches  in  diameter,  without  allowing  for 
seams  ? 

250.  All  children  love  to  go  to  sea,  and  why! 

261.  That  gentle  picture  dost  thou  know, 

Itself,  its  hues,  and  splendor  gaining  ? 

Some  change  each  moment  can  bestow, 

Itself  as  perfect  still  remaining ; 

It  lies  within  the  smallest  space. 

The  smallest  framework  forms  its  girth, 

And  yet  that  picture  can  embrace 
The  mightiest  objects  known  on  earth : 

Canst  thou  to  me  that  crystal  name 
(No  gem  can  with  its  worth  compare) 

Which  gives  all  light,  and  knows  no  flame  ? 

Absorbed  is  all  creation  there  1 
That  ring  can  in  itself  inclose 

The  loveliest  hues  that  light  the  heaven, 

Yet  from  its  light  more  lovely  goes 
Than  all  which  to  it  can  be  given  I 


56 


MEBBY  S BOOK  OF  PCTZZLEB 


252.  From  6 take  nine,  from  9 take  10; 

From  40  take  50,  and  6 remain. 

253.  Why  is  marriage  like  truth ! 

254.  Required  to  divide  45  in  four  parts,  so  that  the 
first  part  with  two  added,  the  second  with  two  subtracted, 
the  third  divided  by  two,  the  fourth  multiplied  by  two, 
shall  equal  each  other. 

255.  Where  was  Major  Andre  going  when  he  was 
captured  i 

256.  There  is  a mansion,  vast  and  fair, 

..That  doth  on  unseen  pillars  rest; 

No  wanderer  leaves  the  portals  there. 

Yet  each  how  brief  a guest  I 
The  craft  by  which  that  mansion  rose. 

No  thought  can  picture  to  the  soul ; 

’Tis  lighted  by  a lamp  which  throws 
Its  stately  shimmer  through  the  whole. 

As  crystal  clear,  it  rears  aloof 

The  single  gem  which  forms  its  roof, 

And  never  hath  the  eye  surveyed 
The  master  who  that  mansion  made. 

257.  \Yhy  is  a sculptor  like  a man  who  splits  hii 
sides  with  laughter 

258.  Why  were  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees  like  a great 
conflagration  ? 

259.  My  flrst  is  a collection  of  water,  my  second  is 
used  when  speaking  of  myself,  my  third  is  a fruit,  my 
whole  is  a town  in  Hindostan. 

260.  X U R,  X P B, 

X,  2 X XT  R 2 me. 

261  Why  was  Daniel  like  NebuchadnezzaPs  image  f 


mebby’s  book  jf  puzzles. 


67 


SEE-SAW. 


262.  Several  things  are  necessary  to  make  this  sport 
safe  and  pleasant.  Firsts  a strong  bar  on  which  to 
balance  your  board  or  plank.  Secondly^  a strong, 
straight-grained  board  or  plank,  which  will  not  crack 
nor  twist.  Thirdly^  an  equal  weight  at  each  end,  or 
nearly  so.  Fourthly^  a clear  head,  and^a  steady  hand, 
or  foot,  to  keep  up  an  even  motion.  With  these  all  right, 
you  will  go  up  and  down  as  easily  and  smoothly  as  men 
of  business  do,  or  political  parLes; — but,  hallo  there,  boys, 
John  has  tumbled  off,  and  you  will  have  a smash  at  the 
other  end,  which  will  leave  John’s  partner  in  doubt 
whether  he  is  up  or  down. 

263.  What  island  in  the  Pacific  is  always  at  this  sport? 

264:.  What  is  there  at  the  same  time  philosophical  and 
ungrammatical  in  this  sport  ? 

265.  Why  is  an  elephant  like  a lady’s  veil ! 

3* 


88  MBKEt’s  BODK  op  PTTZZIiBB. 

S86.  I was  before  the  world  begun, 

Before  the  earth,  before  the  sun ; 

Before  the  moon  was  made,  to  light 
With  brighter  beams  the  starry  night; 

Fm  at  the  bottom  of  the  sea. 

And  I am  in  immensity; 

The  daily  motion  of  the  earth 
Dispels  me,  and  to  me  gives  birth ; 

You  can  not  see  me  if  you  try. 

Although  I’m  oft  before  your  eye ; 

Such  is  my  whole.  But,  for  one  part, 

You’ll  find  in  taste  I’m  rather  tart ; 

Now  I become  the  abode  of  men — 

And  now,  for  groveling  beasts,  a pen  ; 

I am  a man  who  lives  by  drinking ; 

Anon  I keep  a weight  from  sinking ; 

To  take  me,  folks  go  far  and  near ; 

I am  what  children  like  to  hear ; 

I am  a shining  star  on  high ; 

And  now,  its  pathway  through  the  sky; 

My  strength  o’erpowers  both  iron  and  steel ; 

Yet  oft  I’m  left  behind  the  wheel ; 

I’m  made  to  represent  a head ; 

Am  found  in  every  loaf  of  bread  ; 

Such  are  the  many  forms  I take, 

You  can  not  count  all  I can  make ; 

Yet,  after  all,  so  strange  am  I,  » 

Soon  as  you  know  me,  then  I die. 

267.  Henry  is  four  feet  high  and  William  is  five.  Tlie 
sum  of  their  heights  multiplied  by  five  is  equal  to  their 
father’s  age,  plus  fifteen.  How  old  was  their  father! 

268.  My  first  is  the  name  of  a river,  my  second  is  a 
pleasant  beverage,  my  third  is  what  we  are  too  apt  to  do, 
and  my  whole  is  the  name  of  an  ancient  city. 


HBBRT  S BOOK  OF  PUZZLES. 


59 


DEAF  AND  DUMB  ALPHABET. 


tlirSLl  HAVDXD  ALPKXBIT. 


269.  The  deaf  and  dumb  converse  with  each  other,  and 
with  their  teachers,  by  signs  made  with  their  hands. 
There  are  two  ways  of  making  the  letters  with  the 
fingers ; in  one,  both  hands  are  used ; in  the  other, 
only  one.  Above,  you  see  how  the  letters  are  made  with 
one  hand. 

S70.  When  are  the  letters  like  the  keys  of  a piano  I 


60 


MEBRY  S BOOK  OF  PUZZLES. 


271.  Up  and  down  tw'o  buckets  ply 

A single  well  within  ; 

While  the  one  comes  full  on  high, 

One  the  deeps  must  win. 

Full  or  empty,  never  endings, 

Kising  now,  and  now  descending, 

Always  while  you  quaff  from  this, 

That  one  lost  in  the  abyss, 

Frsm  that  well  the  waters  living 
Never  both  together  giving. 

272.  Come  from  my  first — ay,  come  I the  battle  dawn 
is  nigh, 

And  the  screaming  trump  and  thunderiig  drum  are  call- 
ing thee  to  die ! 

Fight  as  thy  father  fought,  fall  as  thy  iatLer  fell ; 

Thy  task  is  taught,  thy  shroud  is  wrought,  so  forward, 
and  farewell ! 

Toll  ye,  my  second,  toll ! Fill  high  the  fl5.mbeau’s  light, ^ 
And  sing  the  hymn  of  a parted  soul  beneath  the  silent 
night 

The  wreath  upon  his  head,  the  cross  upon  his  breast, 

Let  the  prayer  be  said,  and  the  tear  be  shed — so  take 
him  to  his  rest. 

Call  ye  my  whole — ay,  call  the  lord  of  lute  and  lay. 

And  let  him  greet  the  sable  pall  with  a noble  song  to- 

day ; 

Go,  call  him  by  his  name  ! no  fitter  hand  may  crave 
To  light  the  fiame  of  a soldier’s  fame  on  the  turf  of  a 
soldier’s  grave. 

273.  Once  in  a minute,  twice  in  a moment,  once  in  a 
man’s  life  ? 

274.  A man  said;  “I  lie.”  Did  he  lie,  or  did  he  tell 
the  truth  ? 


JfEREY  8 BOOK  OF  PUZZLES. 


61 


*.75,  Why  is  the  butcher’s  dog  in  the  parlor  like  yonr 
mother  receiving  strange  company? 

276.  Why  should  a hound  never  be  admitted  intc 
the  house  ? 

277.  Why  is  your  favorite  puppy  like  a doll? 

278.  How  can  a person  live  eighty  years,  and  see  only 

twenty  birthdays?  * 

\ 

\ 


63  meeet’b  booe  op  puzzleb. 

V 

279.  What  is  the  difference  between  twenty  four  quart 
bottles,  and  four  and  twenty  quart  bottles? 

280.  How  will  you  arrange  four  9’s  so  as  to  make  one 
hundred  ? 

281  Amid  the  serpent  race  is  one 
That  earth  did  never  bear ; 

In  speed  and  fury  there  be  none 
That  can  with  it  compare. 

With  fearful  hiss — its  prey  to  grasp— 

It  darts  its  dazzling  course, 

And  locks  in  one  destroying  clasp 
The  horseman  and  the  horse. 

It  loves  the  loftiest  heights  to  haunt— 

No  bolt  its  prey  secures  ; 

In  vain  its  mail  may  valor  vaunt, 

For  steel  its  fury  lures ! 

As  slightest  straw  whirled  by  the  wind, 

It  snaps  the  starkest  tree ; 

It  can  the  might  of  metal  grind, 

How  hard  soe’er  it  be ! 

Yet  ne’er  but  once  the  monster  tries 
The  prey  it  threats  to  gain : 

In  its  own  wrath  consumed  it  dies. 

And  while  it  slays  is  slain. 

282.  A went  to  a shoemaker,  B,  and  ordered  a pair  of 
boots.  At  the  time  appointed  for  their  completion,  A 
called  for  his  boots.  The  price  was  $5.  A gave  B a 20 
dollar  note,  which,  not  being  able  to  change,  he  went  to 
C,  who  gave  him  four  $5  notes.  B gave  A three  of  the 
notes,  and  kept  one.  The  next  day  C came  to  B and  told 
him  his  $20  note  was  a counterfeit.  B gave  O four  |5 
notes,  three  of  which  he  borrowed  from  D.  How  much 
did  B lose  by  the  operation  ? 


"X' ■ 


KSBBy’s  book  of  PTTZZLB8.  88 


^ 283.  When  a boy  falls,  what  does  he  fall  against? 

284.  When  he  is  caught  stealing,  what  does  he  catch? 

285.  How  many  feet  ought  a thief  to  have  ? 

286.  Why  is  Tom  Tumbledown  like  Adam  when  he  Miw 
the  apple  ? 


64  kebry’s  book  of  puzzles. 

287.  A friend  asserted  to  me  a day  or  two  since,  that 
forty  horses  only  had  eighty-four  legs.  How  did  it 
come  ? 

A RIDDLE  WITHIN  A RIDDLE. 

288.  Moce  ye  inugeison  nose  hist  dilerd  suesg 
Ti  si  ton  cufidlift  ouy  liwl  socfens, 

Thaw  si  hatt  burmen— hiwhc  fi  ouy  ivdedi, 

Ouy  hent  liwl  hington  veale  no  theire  dies  ? 

289.  Our  family  is  large,  but  not  much  more  than  one 
third  as  large  as  that  of  Jacob  when  ho  went  to  live  in 
Egypt.  But,  like  the  family  of  that  ancient  patriarch,  we 
often  migrate  to  other  countries.  We  do  not  keep 
together,  whether  at  home  or  abroad ; we  are  scattered 
about  in  every  direction, — at  once  masters,  servants,  and 
slaves  to  forty-four  millions  of  people.  Not  a book  is 
printed  without  our  aid  ; and,  what  is  stranger  still,  we  are 
all  found  at  the  same  time  in  every  book  in  every  library 
and  country  where  the  English  language  is  spoken ; and 
on  almost  every  page.  Sometimes,  though  rarely,  two 
of  us  stand  side  by  side.  It  is  still  more  rare  for  us  all 
to  appear  together  arranged  in  the  same  order.  Nothing 
is  more  common  with  people  than  to  place  us  in  rows  or 
platoons;  but  whether  in  militia,  army,  or  navy — for  some 
of  us  are  employed  in  all  these — we  are  seldom  arranged 
twice  alike.  Sometimes  one  of  us  stands  first;  some- 
times another.  Sometimes  a row  or  platoon  consists  of 
only  two  or  three  of  us ; at  others  of  many  more ; and 
occasionally  of  twelve,  fifteen,  or  twenty;  and,  strangest 
to  relate  of  all,  we  can  be  so  placed  as  to  make  out  about 
50,000  rows,  no  two  of  which  will  be  exactly  alike.  Must 
we  not,  then,  be  a useful  family?  And  what,  think  you, 
is  OUY  family  name  ? 

290.  i I I I I I • Add  five  more  marks  to  these 
six,  so  as  to  make  nine. 


S91.  What 
tree  is  that, 
which  has 
twelve  branch- 
es,  thirty 
leaves  on  each 
branch,  and 
each  leaf  white 
on  one  side, 
and  black  on 
the  other? 

292.  1 What 

is  the  sociable  tree?  2.  And  the  dancing  tree? 

And  the  tree  which  is  nearest  the  sea  ? 

4.  And  the  busiest  tree?  The  most  yielding  tree! 

® And  the  tree  where  ships  may  be  ? 

7 The  languishing  tree  ? The  least  selfish  tree  ! 

And  the  tree  that  bears  a curse  ? 

10  The  chronologist  tree  ? H-  The  fisherman’s  tree  ? 

12.  And  the  tree  like  an  Irish  nurse? 

18.  What’s  the  traitor’s  tree  ? 1^-  And  the  tell-tale  tree? 

15  And  the  tree  that  is  warmest  clad  ? 

10  The  layman’s  tree  ? 17.  The  housewife’s  tree  ? 

18  And  the  tree  that  makes  one  sad? 

10.  What  the  tree  that  in  death  will  benight  you  ? 

20.  And  the  tree  thaA  your  wants  will  supply  ? 

21  And  the  tree  that  to  travel  invites  you  ? 

22.  And  the  tree  that  forbids  you  to  die  ? 

28.  What  tree  do  the  hunters  resound  to  the  skies? 

24  What  brightens  your  house,  and  your  mansion  bus 
tains  ? 

What  tree  urged  the  Grecians  in  vengeance  to  rise 
And  fight  for  the  victims  by  tyranny  slain?  [you? 

28*  The  tree  that  will  fight  ? 27  And  the  tree  that  obeys 


66  merry’s  book  of  puzzles. 

28.  And  the  tree  that  never  stands  still  t 

29.  And  the  tree  that  got  up?  30.  And  the  tree  that 

was  lazy  ? 

81  And  the  tree  neither  up  nor  down  hill  ? 

82.  The  tree  to  be  kissed  ? 33.  And  the  dandiest  tree  f 

84.  And  what  guides  the  ships  to  go  forth  ? 

88.  The  unhealthiest  tree?  36.  And  the  tree  of  the 
people  ? 

87  And  the  tree  whose  wood  faces  the  north? 

88..  The  emulous  tree?  39.  The  industrious  tree? 

40.  And  the  tree  that  warms  mutton  when  cold? 

41.  The  reddish-brown  tree?  42.  The  reddish-blue  tree? 
43  And  what  each  must  become  ere  he’s  old  ? 

44.  The  tree  in  a bottle  ? 45.  And  the  tree  in  a fog? 

46.  And  the  tree  that  gives  the  bones  pain  ? 

47.  The  terrible  tree  when  schoolmasters  flog? 

48.  And  what  mother  and  child  have  the  name  ? 

49.  The  treacherous  tree?  ^0.  The  contemptible  tree! 
81*  And  that  to  which  wives  are  inclined  ? 

82.  The  tree  that  causes  each  townsman  to  flee? 

88.  And  what  round  fair  ankles  they  bind  ? 

84.  The  tree  that’s  entire?  85.  And  the  tree  that  ii 
split  ? 

86.  The  tree  half  given  to  doctors  when  ill  ? 

87.  The  tree  we  offer  to  friends  when  we  meet  ? 

88.  And  the  tree  we  may  use  as  a quill  ? 

89  The  tree  that’s  immortal?  60.  The  trees  that  are  not! 
61  And  the  trees  that  must  pass  through  the  fire  ? 

62.  The  tree  that  in  Latin  can  ne’er  be  forgot, 

And  in  England  we  all  must  admire  ? 

68.  The  Egyptian  plague  tree?  64.  And  the  tree  that 
is  dear? 

68.  And  what  round  itself  doth  intwine? 

66  The  tree  that  in  billiards  must  ever  be  near? 

67.  And  the  tree  that  by  cockneys  is  turned  into  wine? 


M beet’s  book  of  pttzzles. 


67 


293.  Which  of  the  planets  would  the  tortoise  like  best 
to  live  in  ? 

294r.  Why  is  a picture  surrounded  by  books  like  a 
happy  man  ? 

295.  Mother  sent  Mary  for  an  evergreen.  The  gar- 
dener  brought  a holly.  Mary  pointed  to  the  sky,  and  thf 
gardener  brought  what  she  wanted.  What  did  Maf 
mean  ? 

296.  When  the  day  breaks,  what  becomes  of  the  frag- 
ments ? 

297.  Novus  vir  bonus  vir  ivit  ad  caudam  vel  habere 
? iam  vestem  homines  mortuos. 

298.  EE  Marriage  be. 

7“'  299.  What  bird  is  that  which  has  no  wings  ? 

300.  Add  something  to  9 to  make  it  less. 


68 


merry’s  book  of  puzzles. 


801.  Why  is  Satan  on  a shed  like  a bankrupt! 

302.  How  is  it  that  trees  put  on  their  summer  dresses, 
without  opening  their  trunks  ? 

303.  Of  three  words  make  one,  by  the  insertion  a 
single  letter 

304.  Of  a word  of  one  syllable,  make  a word  of  three 
syllables,  by  the  addition  of  a single  letter. 

305.  Ages  ago,  when  Greece  was  young, 

And  Homer,  blind  and  wandering,  sung; 
Where’er  he  roamed,  through  street  or  field, 

My  first  the  noble  bard  upheld  ; 

Look  to  the  new  moon  for  my  next, 

You’ll  see  it  there,  but  if  perplexed, 

Go  ask  the  huntsman,  he  can  show 
My  name — he  gives  it  many  a blow ; 

My  whole,  as  you  will  quickly  see, 

Is  a large  town  in  Tuscany, 

Which  ladies  soon  will  recognize— 

A favorite  head-dress  it  supplies. 

306.  Why  is  an  elephant  like  a chair  ? 

307.  Mr.  — wood  being  at  the  . of  king  of  terrors,  10 
mills  for  his  quakers,  and  who,  which  and  what.  They 
odor  for  Dr.  Juvenile  Humanity,  [who  ] = to  Dr.  Hay 
preservers,  and  little  devil  behold  scarlet  his  assistance ; 
but,  B 4 he  arrived,  the  not  legally  good  changed  color, 

and  was  ct  lor. 

308.  Given  the  street  and  the  hour,  to  find  at  once  the 
number  of  children  in  the  street. 

309.  Given  the  section  of  the  city,  to  find  at  once  the 
number  of  loafers  and  vagabonds  that  infest  it. 


MEKKT’s  book  of  PTTZZIiES. 


69 


CHRISTMAS  TREE. 


310.  This  is  a very  curious  and  interesting  kind  of  a 
tree.  It  is  found,  loaded  with  every  variety  of  strange 
fruity  on  tables,  bare  floors,  or  carpets.  It  has  no  roots, 
but  is  most  wonderful  for  its  yielding  powers,  though  it 
bears  only  once  a year,  and  that  always  on  Christmas 
Eve.  The  last  one  that  I saw  was  at  Uncle  Hiram  Hatch- 
et’s. Cousin  Hannah  thus  describes  it: 

‘‘At  last,  when  none  of  us  expected  it,  he  (Uncle  H.) 
threw  open  the  folding  doors,  and  let  us  into  the  little 
parlor.  There  was  displayed  the  Christmas  tree,  in  all 
its  glory.  Every  little  twig  bore  some  present  , dolls 


70  MEERY^S  BOOR  OF  PUZZLES. 

and  doll  furniture,  pins,  ear-rings,  bracelets,  slippers, 
watch-guards  and  purses,  ships,  windmills,  and  beautiful 
books,  besides  all  sorts  of  fruits  and  bon-bons,  and  all 
blazing  with  light  from  the  numberless  candles  ihH 
seemed  to  grow  out  of  the  branches.” 

A tree  that,  without  life  or  root. 

Without  a blossom,  bud,  or  flower, 

Bears  various  and  most  precious  fruit, 

Tliat  comes  and  goes  in  one  short  hour. 

811.  My  first  is  an  adjective,  short  and  dry. 

Which  an  absence  of  moisture  seems  to  imply, 

Or,  in  reference  to  mind,  that  kind  of  wit, 

Wliich  is  slack  on  the  rein,  and  sharp  on  the  bit 
My  second  is  a sort  of  hole,  or  den, 

Unfit  for  the  resort  of  timid  men. 

Whence  once  the  righteous  came  safely  out, 
While  the  wicked  were  wholly  put  to  rout. 

My  whole  is  an  author  of  classic  fame. 

If  you  know  the  man,  please  tell  me  his  name. 

312.  What  poet  do  miners  value  most? 

313.  What  poet  is  least  distinguished  for  brevity? 

314.  Which  of  the  English  poets  would  be  most  likely 
to  make  a lion  feel  at  home  ? 

316.  Whj;  were  the  Amalekites  never  allowed  tr^ 
speak  ? 

816.  Which  of  the  reptiles  is  a mathematician  ? 

817.  What  Scripture  character  would  have  made  a 
suitable  husband  for  a tall  laundress? 

318.  What  two  syllables  of  the  marriage  ceremony  are 
most  interesting  to  the  priest  ? 


MEKRt’s  book  of  PCrZZLES. 


T) 


819.  What  part  of  a house  measures  about  two  quarts! 

320  When  is  a door  not  a door? 

321  Why  are  ladies  sitting  on  the  stoop,  like  an  unfin 
shed  house  ? 

322.  What  stone  opens  and  shuts  at  your  convenience! 

323.  Read  see  how  me 
Down  will  I love 
And  you  love  you 
Up  and  you  if 

824.  Why  is  a thing  purchased  like  a shoeS 


72 


merry’s  book  op  BTTZZLE8. 


825.  Why  is  a man  who  makes  a wager  of  a cent,  like 
a person  recovering  from  illness  ? 

826.  Why  is  an  unpaid  bill  like  the  moisture  in  the 
^Korning  ? 

327.  Why  is  a sanguinary  epistle  like  a surgeon? 

228.  Ere  from  the  east  arose  the  lamp  of  day, 

Or  Cynthia  gilt  the  night  with  paler  ray — 

Ere  earth  was  form’d,  or  ocean  knew  its  place, 
Long,  long  anterior  to  the  human  race 
I did  exist.  In  chaos  I was  found. 

When  awful  darkness  shed  its  gloom  around. 

In  heaven  I dwell,  in  those  bright  realms  above, 
And  in  the  radiant  ranks  of  angels  move. 

But  when  th’  Almighty,  by  his  powerful  call, 
Made  out  of  nothing  this  stupendous  ball, 

I did  appear,  and  still  upon  this  earth 
Am  daily  seen,  and  every  day  have  birth. 

With  Adam  I in  Paradise  was  seen. 

When  the  vile  serpent  tempted  Eve  to  sin ; 

And,  since  the  fall,  I with  the  human  race 
Partake  their  shame  and  manifest  disgrace. 

In  the  dark  caverns  of  old  ocean  drear 
I ever  was,  and  ever  shall  appear. 

In  every  battle  firmly  I have  stood,  [blood. 

When  plains  seem  lav’d,  whole  oceans  dy’d  with 
But,  hold — no  more  1 It  now  remains  with  you 
To  find  me  out  and  bring  me  forth  to  view. 

329.  Why  is  a lost  child  like  you  I 

830.  Why  is  Fremont  equal  to  eight  honest  politicians! 

331  How  did  Jonah  feel  when  the  whale  swallowed 
him  t 

882.  Why  were  the  Hebrews  called  sheep  I 


MEBBY^S  BOOK  OF  PUZZLES. 


78 


S33.  Why  is  it  dangerous  to  flirt  in  a hay-fieid  ? 

334.  Under  what  tree  is  it  most  proper  to  make  love! 

335.  Under  what  shade  can  you  dance  best? 

336.  Why  is  a dashing  young  buck  a favorite  with  the 
ladies  ? 


337.  1.  I am  constantly  in  the  midst  of  money.  2.  I 
am  continually  putting  people  in  possession  of  property. 
3.  I increase  the  number  of  most  things  that  come  in  my 
way.  4.  1 am  no  friend  to  the  distressed  needlewomen, 
for  I render  needles  unnecessary.  5.  Yet  whenever  1 
undertake  a dress,  I infallibly  make  it  sit.  6.  I am  quap 

4 


74  merry’s  book  of  pttzzleb. 

relsome,  for  a word  and  a fclow  is  my  maxim.  7.  In  fact, 
with  me  a word  becomes  a weapon.  8.  And  merriment 
becomes  slaughter.  9.  It  is  commonly  remarked  that 
drink  converts  men  into  swine,  but  I transform  wine 
itself  into  the  same  animals.  10.  Deprived  of  me,  certain 
railway  speculations  come  out  in  their  .true  character 

11.  A team  can  draw  a wagon  well  without  me,  still, 
when  I am  in  front,  the  speed  is  wonderfully  increased. 

12.  Marvelous  products  may  be  obtained  from  peat,  but 
when  I am  extracted  from  earth,  pure  oil  alone  remains. 

13.  Let  me  go  before,  and  a story  is  sure  to  be  stale, 

14.  And  if  I am  left  out,  it  will  be  political.  15.  I am 
strongly  attached  to  pluralities.  16.  With  respect  to 
free  trade,  I turn  corn  itself  into  contempt.  17.  I am  in 
the  midst  of  Russia  and  Prussia,  and  abundant  among 
the  Swiss.  18.  Were  I withdrawn  from  that  unhappy 
country,  Spain,  nothing  would  be  left  but  grief.  19.  Af 
ter  sport,  when  I take  my  departure,  the  evening  is  often 

finished  with  what  remains.  20.  At  a soiree  I am  alwavg 

«/ 

in  good  time.  21.  In  person  I am  much  bent,  though  I 
was  formerly  more  upright.  22.  As  to  my  education,  I 
was  always  head  of  the  school.  23.  Though  invariably 
at  the  bottom  of  my  class.  24.  With  me  age  looks  wise. 
25.  But  a gentleman  is  better  without  me,  as  accompa- 
nied by  me  he  appears  feminine.  26.  On  the  contr^try  ■ 
a lady  ought  not  to  part  with  me,  for  if  she  loses  me  she 
seems  masculine.  27.  I am  an  unwelcome  visitor,  for 
with  me  sorrow  begins  and  happiness  ends.  28.  Sadness 
commences,  and,  29.  Bliss  terminates.  30.  Yet  it  is  in 
my  power  to  transform  cares  into  what  is  delightful. 

338.  Nebuchadnezzar’s  lions  were  very  undevout  when 
Daniel  was  with  them,  and  very  poetical  with  his  eue 
mies.  Please  explain. 

339.  Why  is  a hunter  like  an  omnibus  pickpocket  ? 


340.  Figures,  they  say,  won’t  lie  ; but  here 
Is  something  either  false  or  queer. 

1 find  that,  in  my  family. 

One  taken  from  two  still  leaves  me  three, 

And  two  from  two,  by  the  same  score, 

Leaves  a remainder  of  just  four. 

341.  My  first  is  a measure  much  used  in  the  East, 
Or  a close-covered  vehicle  drawn  by  one  beast; 
My  second  is  a prefix — a small  preposition — 
Two  thirds  of  a tavern — a paid  politician-; 

My  whole,  though  part  of  a vessel,  has  stood 
Alone  on  the  prairie,  or  ’neath  the  great  wood. 
And  often  is  found,  poor,  wretched,  and  mean. 
The  city’s  proud  palaces  squatting  between. 


76 


MEERV'S  BOOK  OF  PUZZi^ES 


BLACK-BTED  MARY’S  ALGEBRAICAL  PROBLEM. 

342.  Take  two  numbers,  such  that  the  square  of  the 
first,  plus  the  square  of  the  second,  shall  equal  8;  while 
the  first,  plus  the  product  of  the  first  and  second, 
shall  equal  6. 

N B.— If  any  choose  to  work  this  out  algebraically,  it  will  he  fonod  to 
no  trifling  puzzle.  See  Merry’s  Museum  for  1856 

343.  What’s  that  the  poor’s  most  precious  friend, 

Nor  less  by  kings  respected — 

Contrived  to  pierce,  contrived  to  rend, 

And  to  the  sword  connected. 

It  draws  no  blood,  and  yet  doth  wound , 

Makes  rich,  but  ne’er  with  spoil ; 

It  prints,  as  earth  it  wanders  round, 

A blessing  on  the  soil. 

The  eldest  cities  it  hath  built. 

Bade  mightiest  kingdom  rise  ; it 
Ne’er  tired  to  war,  nor  roused  to  guilt: 

. Weal  to  the  states  that  prize  it! 

344.  When  is  a political  candidate  like  Samson’s 
guests  ? 

345.  What  is  the  most  suitable  dance  to  wind  off  a 
frolic  ? 

346.  Kevolving  round  a disk  I go 

One  restless  journey  o’er  and  over; 

The  smallest  field  my  wanderings  know, 

Thy  hand  the  space  could  cover : 

Yet  many  a thousand  miles  are  passed 
In  circling  round  that  field  so  narrow: 

My  speed  outstrips  the  swiftest  blast, 

The  strongest  bowman’s  arrow. 

847.  Why  are  buckwheat  cakes  like  the  caterpillar? 


meeet’b  book  of  puzzles. 


77 


348.  What  relation  does  the  soap-bubble  bear  to  the 
boy  who  makes  it? 

849.  Why  do  girls  blow  bubbles  better  than  boys  f 

350.  What  is  the  difference  between  a boy  and  hia 
shadow  ? 

351.  Why  is  a soap-bubble  like  Adam? 

352.  I have  no  life,  yet,  as  I fly, 

A thing  of  beauty  to  the  eye, 

I bear,  my  glittering  shape  beneath, 

A part  of  my  Creator’s  breath ; 

With  ever-changing  shade  and  hue 
I rise  and  vanish  from  the  view. 

And,  though  a phantom  deemed,  I share; 

In  portions,  water,  earth,  and  air. 


T8 


meery’s  book  of  PUZZLBB. 


353.  I go;  but  never  stir, 

I count,  but  never  write, 

I measure  and  divide,  and,  sir, 

You’ll  iind  my  measures  right 
t run,  out  never  walk, 

I strike,  but  never  wound, 

I tell  you  much,  but  never  talk. 

In  my  diurnal  round. 

354.  When  a boy  falls  into  the  water,  what  is  the  first 
thing  he  does  ? 

365.  How  would  the  proposed  removal  of  the  Pope  to 
Jerusalem  be  a false  move  for  the  Papacy,  and  a true 
one  for  the  Papal  States  ? 

356.  Why  is  a coachman  a generous  man? 

357.  Why  is  a dog  like  a clock-maker’s  safe? 

358.  Why  is  the  cook  more  noisy  than  a gong  ? 

359.  Describe  a partisan,  and  answer  a question  in  the 
same  words. 

360.  A word  of  one  syllable  call  to  your  mind. 

The  letters  of  which  will,  if  rightly  combined. 
Provide  you  with  two  kinds  of  fuel — ay,  more, 

A warm  piece  of  clothing — and  fasten  your  door. 

861.  Let  two  Poman  fives  at  extremities  meet. 

At  the  right  hand  of  these,  add  two  circles  com- 
plete ; 

Tlien  five  times  one  hundred  place  at  the  right  hand, 
And  a nice  winters  comfort  they  make  as  they 
stand. 

862.  What  number  is  that  which  can  be  divided  by 
2,  3,  4,  5,  and  6,  leaving,  in  each  case,  a remainder  of  1, 
*nd  by  7,  without  a remainder  ? 

863.  How  long  ago  were  trunks  first  used! 


864.  Fm  black  or  white, . . a brown  or  gray, 
Fm  tall  or  flat,  Fm  gr  ive  or  gay, 

As  soft  as  wool,  or  stilf  as  tin, 

A nest  for  wits  to  nestle  in. 

I bold  great  intellects,  yet  oft 
Am  bothered  with  the  weak  and  soft, 
And  sometimes  crusty,  hard,  and  thick. 
They  fill  me  with  we  burned  brick. 
Fashion  controls  me,  yet  I wear 
Some  aspects  to  make  fashion  stare. 
Though  always  for  one  place  designed, 
I change  as  often  as  the  wind. 


A 


80  MBEEY^S  BOOK 

Fm  dumb,  and  yet,  in 
Make  more  than  half  of  every 
I’m  mild — yet  none  can  hate — (don’t  doubt  me) 
Nor  raise  a fighting-cock  without  me. 


865.  In  every  home  I stand  confessed, 

A friend  of  quiet,  peace,  and  rest ; 

Take  off  my  head,  and  on  your  head 
My  streamers  rise,  black,  brown,  or  red ; 
Cut  now  again,  and  take  my  neck  off, 
You  leave  my  substance  not  a speck  of, 
But,  with  ethereal  lightness  gay, 

I pass  in  idle  breath  away. 


866.  What  relation  is  the  door-mat  to  the  scraper? 
367.  In  what  do  grave  and  gay  people  differ  at  church 

868.  What  sea  would  make  the  best  sleeping-room  ? 

869.  ’Tis  said  of  lawyers  Grab  and  Clinch, 

They  take  an  ell  when  you  offer  an  inch ; 

But  I can  do  a smarter  thing — 

Give  me  an  ell,  I will  make  it  ring ; 

If  for  advice  you  come  to  me 
When  you  are  ill,  I call  for  the  fee ; 

If  any  road  you  chance  to  wend, 

You  think  you’ve  reached  the  very  end, 

I come  and  give  it  such  a turn, 

You  find  there’s  something  yet  to  learn; 

If  to  the  inn  you  seek  for  rest, 

I chuck  you  in  a box  or  chest ; 

The  beggar’s  rags  I make  so  proud, 

He  of  his  garments  boasts  aloud ; 

The  aged  and  infirm  with  me 
Lose  caution  and  timidity  ; 

For,  young  or  old,  to  every  one 
I furnish,  if  not  muscle,  bone. 


MBEKY^B  BOOK  OF  PUZZLBB 


8] 


370.  Why  is  a spotted  dog  most  reliable  ? 


371.  In  what  does  a dog  differ  from  a groom  in 
^eatment  of  a horse  ? 

372.  One  of  a gallant  vagrant  band, 

My  name  is  known  in  every  land ; 

In  all  earth’s  changes  I am  there ; 

Without  me  none  may  war  declare, 

Or  treat  of  peace,  or  try  their  parts 
On  manufacture,  tillage,  arts ; 

By  me  a patient  saint  of  old 
Was  changed  into  a warrior  bold ; 

I made  old  Abner’s  father  near ; 

His  wife  was  deaf,  I made  her  hear; 

His  house  I put  upon  his  back ; 

His  jaw  an  iron  bond  I make ; 

Bad  spirit  by  my  presence  claims 
To  be  the  end  of  human  aims ; 

And  a young  bear  is  seen  to  bo 
A coveted  jewel  of  the  sea. 

I 


83 


meeky’s  book  of  puzzles. 


373.  Probl&tn, — To  make  a restless  child  quiet  and  eon- 
tented. 

374.  Problem. — To  teach  a child  to  be  honest,  indns- 
trious,  and  useful. 

375.  Why  is  Merry’s  Museum  like  a note  falling  duel 

876.  1 consist  of  eleven  letters. 

My  9th,  7th,  and  1st,  is  where  infants  often  repose; 
“ 3d,  10th,  and  7th,  is  a foreign  plant  much  used 
by  us; 

-•  1st,  7th,  5th,  9th,  4th,  and  11th,  is  to  treat  by 
word  of  mouth ; 

“ 6th,  4th,  7th,  and  8th,  is  a delicious  fruit; 

“ 2d,  7th,  and  3d,  to  do  which  affords  great  satis- 
faction ; 

“ 4th,  7th,  and  6th,  is  an  essential  part  of  the 
head ; 

“ 3d,  10,  7th,  and  8th,  is  often  used  for  joy  or 
sorrow ; 

“ whole  is  the  name  of  a distinguished  writer 
for  Merry’s  Museum. 

377.  Why  is  Merry’s  Museum  like  a good  wife! 

378.  I am  composed  of  twelve  letters. 

W.  2,  all  6,  2,  10,  with  10,  5,  2,  9,  which  a 12,  8, 1, 7,  5, 
i,  6,  6,  11,  4,  10,  not  to  have,  and  which  a 3,  8,  1,  12,  5, 
9,  11,  4,  2,  1.  5,  12,  i.  6,  11,  9,  2,  6. 

379.  Why  is  Merry’s  Museum  like  a good  mother? 

380.  What  was  the  difference — can  you  show — 
Between  the  Prodigal  in  his  woe, 

And  Lazarus,  in  his  low  estate. 

Feeding  on  crumbs  at  Dives’  gate? 

381.  What  fish  does  a bride  wear  on  her  finger  ? 

382.  Why  is  Merry’s  Museum  like  a printing-office? 


ANSWERS  TO  PUZZLES 


I,  The  rose  shall  cease  to  blow, 

The  eagle  turn  a dove, 

The  stream  shall  cease  to  flow, 

Ere  I will  cease  to  love. 

The  sun  shall  cease  to  shine. 

The  world  shall  cease  to  move, 

The  stars  their  light  resign. 

Ere  I will  cease  to  love. 

2.  Short  shoes  and  long  corns  to 
the  enemies  of  freedom. 

3.  The  rope-maker. 

4.  Because  they  can  not  be  got  off 
without  a bow  (beau). 

6.  Because  he  stops  at  the  sound 
of  wo. 

6.  One  takes  the  dish  with  the 

7.  One,  after  which  his  stomach  is 
not  empty. 

8.  The  smallest. 

9.  The  first  geometrical  puzzle  is 
lolvod  in  this  way — 


The  second  puzzle  is  solved  m thk 
way— 


The  different  colors  represent  the 
several  sons’  portions. 

10.  The  tiger  couches  in  the  wood. 
And  waits  to  shed  the  traveler’s 

blood ; — 

So  couch  we. 

We  spring  upon  him  to  supply 
What  men  unto  our  wants  deny ; 
And  so  springs  he. 

11.  Work,  work,  work! 

My  labor  never  flags ; 

And  what  are  its  wages  ? A bed 
of  straw, 

A crust  of  bread — and  rags. 
That  shattered  roof — this  naked 
floor, 

A table^— a broken  chair. 

And  a wall  so  blank,  my  shadow  I 
thank 

For  sometimes  falling  there  * 
With  fingers  weary  and  worn. 
With  eyelids  heavy  and  red, 

A woman  sat  in  unwomanly  rags* 
Plying  her  needle  and  thread' 


S6 


ANSWaitS  TO  PtrzZLBS. 


Stitch  ! stich  ! stitch  ! 

La  poverty,  hunger,  and  dirt, 

And  still  with  a voice  of  dolorous 
pitch, 

She  sang  the  “ Song  of  the  Shirt.” 

12.  A pack  of  cards. 

13.  Striking 

14.  Because  words  are  passing 
between  them 

15.  Footman. 

16.  Because  has  is  all  net  profit. 

17.  Because  he  is  surrounded  with 
dues  (dews). 

IS.  Adam. 

19.  Heroine. 

20.  Spark. 

21.  Tear. 

22.  Because  it  is  a bad  habit. 

23.  Because  it  is  felt. 

24.  Because  it  is  a resting-place 
for  the  traveler 

15  There’s  a grim  hearse  horse. 

In  a jolly  round  trot. 

To  the  churchyard  a poor  man  is 
going,  I wot. 

The  road  it  is  rough. 

And  the  hearse  has  no  springs, 
And  hark  to  the  dirge  the  sad 
driver  sings — 

“ Rattle  his  bones  over  the  stones. 
He’s  only  a pauper,  whom  no- 
body owns.” 

26  Of  all  the  birds  that  e’er  I did  see, 
The  owl  is  the  strangest  in  every 
degree. 

For  all  the  long  day  she  sits  in  a 
tree, 

And  when  the  night  comes,  away 
fliee  she. 

To  whit-to-whoo. 

To  whom  drinkeat  thou?  Sir 
Noodle^’  to  you. 


This  song  is  well  sung,  I maki 
you  a vow. 

And  he  is  a knave  that  aileth 
now. 

Nose,  nose,  and  who  gave  thee 
that  jolly  red  nose 
Cinnamon  and  ginger,  nutmeg 
and  cloves. 

And  they  gave  me  my  jolly  red 
nose. 

27  To  ashes. 

28.  Short. 

29.  Shakespeare. 

80.  Time. 

31.  Wallace. 

32.  Because  they  are  often  toasted. 

33.  Because  he  is  always  for  get- 
ting. 

34.  I,  ser. 

35.  Because  he  has  nothing  to 
boot. 

36 . Full  five  hundred  years  I’ve  hung, 

In  my  old  grey  turret  high, 
And  many  a different  theme  I’vs 
sung. 

As  the  hours  went  winging  by. 
I’ve  pealed  the  chimes  of  a wed- 
ding morn ; 

Ere  night  I’ve  sadly  tolled  to 
say 

That  the  maid  was  coming  love 
lorn. 

And  here  I end  my  lay. 

37.  The  joyful  can  sing  on  spirit 

wings 

Each  morn  his  lofty  height, 

In  rapt’rous  notes  he  sweetly 
sings, 

And  hails  th*  approaching 
light; 

But  I from  grief  no  solace  know* 
No  portal  from  the  night, 

All  joys  to  me  insipid  grow 
Afford  me  no  deUght. 

3^^ . Because  it  is  often  tolled  (told) 


ANSWERS  TO  PUZZLES 


87 


89.  Tonrnamo 

40.  The  letter  M 


41.  Forty- eight  feet. 

42.  In  solying  this  question  it  is 
clear  that  to  pick  up  the  first  stone 
and  put  it  into  the  basket,  the  person 
must  walk  two  yards,  one  in  going 
for  the  stone  and  another  in  return- 
ing Tfith  it ; that  for  the  second  stone 
he  must  walk  four  yards,  and  so  on 
increasing  by  two  as  far  as  the  hund- 
redth, when  he  must  walk  two  hund- 
red yards,  so  that  the  sum  total  will 
be  the  product  of  202  multiplied  by 
50,  or  10,000  yards.  If  any  one  does 
not  see  why  we  multiply  202  by  60 
in  getting  the  answer,  we  refer  him 
to  his  arithmetic. 

43.  Hour-glass. 

44.  Pen-man-ship. 

46.  There  was  a man  who  was  Nott 
bom. 

His  father  was  Nott  bom  be- 
fore him ; 

• * He  did  Nott  live,  he  did  Nott  die, 
And  his  epitaph  is  Nott  o’er 
him. 

46.  Because  it  is  in  firm  (infirm). 


47.  To  keep  his  head  warm. 

48.  Hark!  the  muffled  drum  sounds 
the  last  march  of  the  brave. 

The  soldier  retreats  to  his  quar- 
ters, the  grave, 

I Under  Death,  whom  he  owns  his 
Commander-in-  chief. 

No  more  he’ll  turn  out  with  the 
ready  relief ; 

But  in  spite  of  Death’s  terrors 
or  cannon’s  alarms. 

When  he  hears  the  last  trump 
he’U  stana  to  his  arms ! 
Farewell!  brother  soldiera,  in 
peace  may  you  rest. 

And  light  lie  the  tu^  on  each 
veteran  breast. 

Until  that  review  when  the  souls 
the  brave  j 


Shall  behold  i^e  chief  ensign, 
fair  mercy’s  flag,  wave ; 

Then,  freed  from  Death’s  terrors 
and  hostile  alarms. 

When  we  hear  the  last  trump, 
we’ll  stand  to  our  arms. 

49.  Doctor  Long  expects  Dr.  Short 
to  explain  the  misunderstanding  be- 
tween them 

60.  To  you  who  live  single,  if  this  at 
all  trouble  you. 

My  first  comes  in  kindness,  com- 
manding to  double  you. 

And  again,  it  will  double  you,  if, 
like  a clown. 

You  lift  high  your  sole,  and  bend 
your  head  down ; 

Or,  cut  it  in  twain,  two  V^s  will 
appear. 

And  V counting both  make 
ten  it  is  clear. 

My  second,  alas ! comes  shrouded 
in  gloom. 

It  is  O,  which  makes  wo,  the 
sinner* s sad  doom. 

Now  see  what  a change  comes 
over  the  scene, 

If  my  third,  which  is  O,  be  added 
again. 

Now  ’tis  woo — and  what  bache- 
lor’s heart  does  not  beat. 

To  woo  a sweet  damsel,  to  keep 
warm  his  feet ; 

To  cheer  by  her  smiles  his  lone 
hours — and  thus 

Escape,  by  good  fortune,  the 
bachelor’s  curse ! 

My  fourth  and  my  last,  as  I’ll 
go  on  to  tell, 

Is  nought  more  or  less  than  a 
capital  L. 

Now  L being  fifty,  will  even  di- 
vide 

One  Hundred,  or  teachers  and 
books  have  aU  lied. 

Now  examine  with  care,  and 
plain  you  will  see 

That  to  unlock  a secret,  an  L is 
the  key ; 

For  woo,  with  L added,  is  chang- 
ed into  wool. 

Whether  worn  on  a $heep,  or  aa 
A-frioan’s  skull. 


88 


ANSWERS  TO 


PUZZLES 


Whether  made  into  clothing,  for 
bed  or  for  body. 

For  “ sage  politician^'*  or  some 
other  noddy » 

It  is  used,  the  world  over,  in 
commerce  and  trade ; 

But  its  last  use,  I trow,  was  to 
make  a charade, 

61.  SONG  OF  THE  SUN. 

Not  a rose  that  blooms. 

Not  a ring  that  assumes 

The  rainbow’s  beautiful  front, 
But’s  indebted  to  me, 

As  ye  plainly  see, 

For  the  scent  or  splendor  on ’t. 
The  moon  and  the  stars 
That  around  ye  roll. 

The  systems  ye  can  not  discern. 
Are  warmed  by  my  rays, 

And  partake  of  the  soul 

And  the  spirit  that  in  me  burn. 
And  nothing  throws  back  with  such 
splendor  my  rays, 

As  the  sea’s  mi^ty  mirror  in  mid- 
summer days. 

62.  And  like  the  temple  of  this 
body,  the  cloud-capped  towers,  the 
gjorgeous  palaces,  the  solemn  temples, 
the  great  globe  itself  shall  fall,  and, 
like  this  insubstantial  vision  faded, 
leave  not  a rack  behind. 

63  Letter  I. 

64.  When  it  is  a cutter 

66.  Letter  N. 

66.  Five  when  peeled. 

67.  He  is  a bit  of  a buck 

68.  His  daughter. 

69  It  matures  by  falling  dew. 

60  Ben-ha- dad. 

61 . Because  it  is  never  peeled  (peal- 
•d)  but  once. 

62.  Because  it  is  every  year  doub- 
ling fllnblin). 

63.  Tobacco. 


64  The  nose 

66  Because  they  have  so  many 
panes  (pains). 

66  J’ai  grand  appetit.  Allons  sem- 
per. 

67.  Water. 

68.  Ice. 

69  Those  that  come  after  T. 

70.  ’Twas  at  night,  when  the  bell  had 

tolled  twelve. 

And  poor  Susan  was  laid  on 
her  pillow. 

In  her  ear  whispered  some  fleet- 
ing elf — 

“ Your  love  is  now  tossed  on 
the  billow” 

Far,  far  at  sea. 

All  was  dark  as  she  woke  out 
breath — 

Not  an  object  her  fears  could 
discover  ; 

AU  was  still  as  the  portals  of 
death, 

Save  fancy,  which  painted  her 
lover 

Far,  far  at  sea. 

So  she  whispered  a prayer,  closed 
her  eyes. 

But  the  phantom  still  haunted 
her  pillow. 

While  in  terror  she  echoed  his 
cries. 

As  struggling  he  sunk  on  the 
billow 

Far,  far  at  sea. 

7 1.  Lightly  tread — ^*tis  holy  ground ; 

Countless  dead  hark,  hark  around; 

Angel  guards  their  watches  keep. 

While  frail  mortals  sink  to  sleep : 

And  the  moon,  with  feeble  rays. 

Gilds  the  stream  that  bubbling 

plays, 

Amd  murmurs,  as  soft  it  flows. 

Music  meet  for  lovers*  woes. 

72.  Eye. 

73.  Canister. 

74.  Forte  tu,  atrox'  ienes,  ftartf 

Sexto  Fortinato 

\ 


ANSWERS  TO  PUZZLES. 


76  The  forceps  pmches,  the  awl 

punches. 

76.  At  the  peaceful  midnight  hour, 
Every  sense  and  every  power 
Chained  lies  in  downy  sleep ; 

Then  our  careful  watch  we  keep, 
While  the  wolf,  in  nightly  prowl, 
Bays  the  moon  with  hideous  howl ; 
Closed  are  bars,  a vain  resistance ; 
Shrieks  are  raised,  but  no  assist- 
ance ; 

Silence ! or  you’ll  meet  your  fate ; 
Your  keys,  jewels,  money,  plate. 
Locks,  bolts,  and  bars  soon  fly 
asunder. 

Then  to  rifle,  rob,  and  plunder. 

77.  Ad-here. — In-here. — Co-here. 

78.  Because  only  the  bony  pai  t is 

left. 

79.  He  is  known  by  his  axe  (acts) 

80.  Xn.,  that  is,  a cross  two  i’s 
(across  two  eyes). 

81.  Because  he  kneads  (needs)  it 

most. 

82.  The  letter  R. 

88  The  coward  skulking  round  a 
house. 

Is  like  a mouse-trap  as  you  see. 
For  that  will  puzzle  any  mouse. 
And  pusillanimous  is  he. 

84.  Green  grass  is  like  a mouse,  be- 
eanse  the  cattle  eat  it  (cat  ’ll  eat  it) 

86.  It  is  not  aloud  (allowed). 

Private  earing  (privateering) 
is  unlawful. 

86.  Salt-cellar 

87.  Because  it  is  not  currant  (cur- 
rent). 

88.  Glorious  Apollo  from  on  high  be- 
held us 

Wand’ring  to  And  a temple  for  his 
praise ; 

Sent  Polyhymnia  hither  to  shield  us 
While  we  ourselves  such  a temple 
might  raise. 

Thus  then.  Guards,  hands  and  hearts 
joining. 


Sing  we  in  harmony  Apollo’s 
Here  every  generous  sentiment 
awaking, 

Music  inspiring  our  mutual  joy, 
Each  social  bumper  giving  and  par* 
taking. 

Song  and  good  cheer  our  time  employ. 

89.  To  let  you  know  he  is  coming. 


mtiment 


90.  Because  of  the  sand  which  is 
(sandwiches)  under  your  feet. 

91.  Mag-pie. 

92.  His  father  was  translated 

93.  But-toh. 


94  A shoe. 


95  On ! by  the  spur  of  valor  goaded, 
Pistols  primed  and  rifles  loaded. 
Courage  strikes  on  hearts  of 
steel. 

While  each  star  through  the 
dark  gloom  of  night. 

Lends  a clear  and  cheering  light, 
Who  a doubt  or  fear  can  feel  I 
Now  through  woods  like  serpents 
creeping. 

Then  on  our  prey  like  lions  leap- 
ing, 

Calvert  to  the  onset  leads  us. 
Let  the  weary  traveler  dread 
us. 

Struck  with  terror  and  amaze ; 
While  our  8vr-A3a  in  lightning 
pourii:g. 

Thunder  to  our  rifles  roaring. 

96  Abell. 

c bd 

97  4 awirt  togo  doTO. 

2a 

‘g*  average  rate  of  rowing 
c+b 

c b 

db 

Ume  down 
2a 

g-  ndlee  per  iMmr. 


W 96.  1 


AITSWBB8  TO  PUZZLES. 


96.  The  hounds  gain  6 rods  in  everj 
21  They  must  therefore  run  as 
many  times  21  rod3  as  6 will  go  into  96. 
Therefore  96  -i-  6=16.  21=336  rods. 


99.  • 

• • • 0 
0 0 
f 0 0 0 

0 0 0 0 0 

100.  He  wrote  s before  it,  making 
it  six 


0 0 0 0 
0 0 

0 0 


m weare  a gay  and  fr«ik  bloii 
ing  ^rland, 

With  lilies  and  roses. 

And  sweet,  blooming  posies, 
To  give  to  the  lad  my  heart  Ulk 
me  I love. 

May  the  brow  of  the  brave  nsvsr 
want  a wreath  of  laurel. 

110.  May  the  trees  of  liberty  flour- 
ish round  the  globe,  and  every  man 
partake  of  its  fruit.  May  the  wings 
of  love  never  lose  a feather 


101.  Live,  evil,  vile,  Levi,  veil. 

108.  When  the  rosy  dawn  awaking 
Paints  with  gold  the  verdant 
lawn ; 

Flies,  on  the  wings  of  time  dis- 
porting. 

Sip  the  sweets  and  taste  the 
dawn. 

Warbling  birds  the  day  pro- 
claiming. 

Singing  sweet  the  lively  strain; 

They  forsake  their  leafy  dwell- 
ing, 

To  secure  the  golden  grain 

See ; content  the  humble  gleaner 
Picks  the  scattered  ears  that 
faU. 

Nature, all  her  children  viewing, 
Kindly  bounteous  cares  for  all. 

. 108.  Musk-melon,  if  your  second 
b tamed  inside  out;  thus,  lem-on. 

104.  Merry’s  Museum. 


111.  Prescription— proseriptiom 

112.  Bar-gain 

118.  1,600  32  = 60.  50*  X 16  » 

40,000 

114.  Tanner. 

115.  Because  it  makes  a man  go. 

116.  Hand-el 

1 17.  Wave,  thou  royal  purple  stream^ 
Gilded  by  the  solar  beam 
In  my  goblet  sparkling  rise. 
Cheer  my  heart,  and  glad  mins 
eyes. 

My  spirit  mounts  on  fancy’s 
wing, 

Anointing  me  a merry  king. 
While  I live.  I’ll  lave  my  pipe. 
When  I’m  dead  and  gone  away 
Let  my  drinking  partner  say 
A montn  he  reign^,  but  that 
was  ripe. 


106.  “ Now  before  yon.” 

106.  Pat-ten. 

107.  Because  it  is  far  fetched  and 
Ml  of  nonsense 

108.  Make  an  impression. 

100  Sweet  are  the  roses  that  bloom 
by  yon  fountain. 

And  sweet  are  the  cowslips  that 
spangle  the  grove, 

And  sweet  is  the  breeze  that 
blows  o’er  the  mountains  ; 
But  sweeter  by  far  is  the  lad 
that  1 lore. 


118.  No  gems  which  plumed  fortune 

wears. 

No  drop  that  hangs  from  beau- 
ty's ears, 

Nor  the  bright  stars  which 
night’s  blue  vault  adorn. 

Nor  rising  suns  that  gild  the 
vernal  morn, 

Shine  with  such  lustre  ad  the 
tear  that  breaks 

For  other’s  woe  down  virtue^ 
manly  cheeks. 

119.  Frankfort-on-the-lfaiiM. 

180  Bib-band. 


AKSWEBri  TO  PUZZLES. 


91 


HI.  400 -r IS  = 26.  ^26  = 6- 
ftre  leconds. 

122.  Because  they  have  arms  and 

legs. 

123.  (^60  — 802  = 61.96152  ) 
i l/  60  — 402  = 44.72136  5 

96.68288.  Ans 

124  1,786. 

125.  ’Tis  good  to  tread  the  church- 
yard’s walks, 

And  mark  the  graves  on  either  side; 
Or  where  the  rough  old  sexton  talks 
With  sheer  contempt  of  human 
pride ; 

To  contemplate  the  scattered  hones 
That  meet  the  eye  so  often  there  ; 
To  read  the  inscription  on  the  stones, 
And  think  what  fleeting  things  we 
are. 

*Tis  good  at  twilight’s  sober  hour, 

To  sit  on  some  neglected  tomb. 

And  dwell  on  death’s  all-startling 
power, 

And  muse  upon  our  certain  doom. 
Because  these  thoughts  are  sure  to 
■win 

The  spirit  more  or  less  from  sin. 


135.  Early  to  bed,  and  early  to  ri«e. 
Makes  a man  healthy, 
Wealthy,  and  wise. 

136.  Music  awakes 
The  native  voice  of  undissembled 


hymns  arise. 

Roused  by  the  cock,  the  soon-clad 
shepherd 

Leaves  his  mossy  cottage,  where 
with  peace 

He  dwells,  and  from  the  crowded 
folds  in 

Order  drives  his  flock,  to  taste  the 
verdure  of 

The  morn. 

137.  Friday. 

138.  W. 

139.  He  is  an  earnest  bee-leaver. 

140.  A portrait. 

141.  He  carries  his  own  trunk. 

142.  The  oak — (a-corn). 

143.  Ful-ton. 


126.  Aching  teeth  are  bad  tenants. 

127.  Patch-work. 

128.  A draft. 

129.  It  is  good  for  nothing  till  it  is 
cracked. 

130.  When  his  brother  Jacob 
shaved  him. 

181.  Because  they  blacken  the  face 
of  Washington. 

132.  The  figure  8. 

183.  Certainly  Webster  says : 
'^spontaneous  is  applicable  to  ani- 
mals destitute  of  reason.” 

134  A living  sinner’s  transgres- 
sion procured  damnation. 

A dying  Redeemer’s  passion  pur- 
chased salvation. 


144.  Harrow. 

145.  They  are  four-sighted  (ftre- 
sighted). 

146.  Because  the  cart  is  before  the 
horse. 

147.  Harrow. 

148.  A book. 

149.  Because  it  makes  ire  fire. 

160.  (Arithmetical  Puzsle.) 

161.  Rats — tars — arts — stars. 

152.  When  it  is  sat-in. 

163.  Sarsaparilla.  Dr.  To'wnsend. 

154.  XI  divided  ^ gives  six.  IX, 
divided  in  the  same  way,  gives  fonr. 

155.  The  letter  0. 


92 


ANSWERS  TO  PUZZLES 


166.  The  one  was  Maid  of  Orleans, 
the  other  was  made  of  chittim  wood. 

167.  Sunshine  and  shadow 

168.  Pen-knife. 

169.  (Leap  Frog ) 

160.  Bed-ford. 

101.  C — (Seer). 

162.  I ate  nothing  Monday 
103. 


175.  They  secure  (seek  your)  moaay 

176.  Fowl,  owl,  wolf. 

177  Mar,  ram,  arm. 

178.  It  breaks  the  kernel  (colonel) 

179.  WindmilL 

180.  Always  in  flour. 

181.  AduUam  (a  dull  lamb). 

182.  The  chin-chilla  (chilly). 

183.  She  is  miss-taken  and  miss- 
led. 

184.  Because  three  scruples  maks 
a dram 

185.  The  ball-room. 


e • • 

• • 

m m ^ m m 

164.  Be  not  too  wise,  nor  over  nice, 
for  you  see  what  a fool  you  be. 

166.  The  shoe — U. 

166.  He  is  fed  from  a loft. 

167.  He  is  bride-led. 

168.  For  every  grain  they  give  a 
peck. 

169.  Pondicherry. 

170.  One  ought  to  wait  ftr  tea. 


186.  When  it  back-bites. 

187.  Co-nun-drum 

188.  Log-book. 

189.  Hannah — hand 

190.  It  is  but  D sent,  as  you  see. 

If  you  600  send, 

But  truly  XL  lent  ’twill  be, 
When  you  the  40  lend. 

191.  A wheel. 

192.  Represses  them  with  a goose 

193.  The  moon. 

194.  One  that  needs  darning. 

195.  Ann,  sir. 


171. 


•nr. 

MOK. 

Tum. 

WED. 

THUE. 

FEI.  1 

BAT. 

• bo 

» d g 

a k n 

a e 1 

a h 0 

a f p] 

|a  i m 

d « f 

beh 

b 1 o 

b fm 

ib  i p 

b d n 

bgk 

ft  h i 

cmp 

c f i 

c g n 

c d K 

chi 

tc  e 0 

llm 

f k o 

dhm 

d 1 0 

lem  n 

e i k! 

d 1 p 

n opi 

|i  I n 

egP 

hk  p 

Ifg  1 

gmo 

h f n 

172.  Bible 


178.  126. 

174.  Because  without  it  life  is  a 
He,  or  it  makes  life  a lie 


196.  Elliptical — a-lip-tickle. 

197.  B-o-y. 

198.  Mate — (eat-meat-at-tea) 

199.  In-co-he-rent. 

200.  Amen,  name,  mean,  mana 

201.  Grog-shop 

202.  Vela,  rale.  Teal*  laTt, 


ANSWERS  TO  tUZZLKS 


9 


203.  NotL 

204.  In  court-ship,  as  marry-ners. 
206  Light-house: 

206  Sureti-ship. 

207.  5 and  7. 

208.  Candle-stick. 

209.  Me-lo-di-ous. 

210.  The  one  is  careless  and  happy , 
Ihe  other  is  hairless  and  cappy. 

211.  iX — cross  the  /,  it  makes  XX. 

212.  Lie. 

213.  Pea-cock. 

214.  Because  it  pierces  hearts. 

216.  Child-hood. 

216.  In  earnest  (in  her  nest). 

217.  Friend-ship. 

218.  Cayenne  (K.  N.). 

219.  He  is  known  by  his  bark. 

220.  They  are  C D. 

221.  Good  for  nothing 

222.  Neva,  nave,  vane. 

223.  Shake-speare. 

224.  Because  it  makes  Pa-pay. 

226.  It  has  eyes  behind 

226.  Pea-cock. 

227.  7 and  6. 

228.  In  the  ground. 

229  From  the  tree. 

230.  Because  she  shows  her  flow- 
ing sheets. 

231.  Moon  and  stars. 

232.  Meat  (eat — at — ^mat— team). 


233.  The  tiller. 

234.  The  lion,  because  he  roaM, 
and  has  a flowing  mane  (main). 

Leviathan,  because  he  swal- 
lows up  the  rivers. 

236.  The  bull,  because  he  bellwt 
The  whale,  because  he  blowt 

236.  The  ass,  because  he  brays. 
Dr.  Pott’s  horse,  because  a 

Pott  he  carries, 

237.  The  rooster,  because  he  picks 
and  crows. 

238.  1,  3,  9,  27,  are  the  weights 
of  the  several  pieces. 

239.  A tur-key. 

240.  It  is  generally  patronized  hj 
gobblers. 

241.  In  the  ground. 

242.  He  flourishes  his  fan  behind 
him. 

243.  1st,  7.36.  2d.  9.66.  3d,  23. 

08. 

244.  C-and-y — candy. 

246.  Because  we  can  not  make 
them  here  (hear). 

246.  A steel  pen. 

The  weapon’s  a steel  pen  ^ I think. 
Unless  I’ve  made  a blunder ; 

When  Hatchet  dips  it  in  the  ink, 

I’d  like  to  stand  from  under. 

“ Old  lady** — quotha!  think  of  that 
My  goodness — heart-alive ! 

I tell  you,  Mr.  Hatchet — flat ! 

I’m  scarcely  sixty-five. 

247.  He  has  many  cast-off  bovi 
(beaux). 

248.  He  is  a well  re(a)d  man. 

249.  804,247,662  square  inches 

260.  Because  c-and-jr  spell  candy 

261.  ThecjCb 


94 


ANSWERS  TO  PUZZLES. 


262.  S I X IX  XL 

IX  X L 

8 I X 

253.  Because  it  is  a certain  tie 
^^oertamty). 

254.  8, 12,  20,  6. 

255  To  the  gallows 

. 256.  The  earth  and  firmament. 

257.  Because  he  makes  faces  and 
busts  (bursts'). 

258.  Because  they  “devoured  wid- 
ows’ houses.” 

259.  Pond-i-cherry. 

260.  Cross  you  are,  cross  you  be, 
Cross,  too  cross,  you  are  for 

me. 

261.  Because  the  lions  could  not 
eat  him. 

262.  (See-saw.) 

263.  Hi-lo. 

264.  It  places  the  present  (see) 
before  the  past  (saw). 

265.  Because  there  is  a 6 in  both. 

266.  Obscurity,  in  which  may  be 
found  sour,  city,  sty,  sot,  buoy,  tour, 
story,  orb,  orbit,  rust,  rut,  bust, 
crust, 

267.  He  was  30  years  old. 

268.  Exe-te-r 

269.  (Deaf  and  dumb  alphabet.) 

270.  When  they  are  fingered. 

271  Day  and  night. 

272.  Camp-belL 

273.  The  letter  M. 

274.  If  he  told  the  truth,  he  lied; 
If  he  lied,  he  told  the  truth. 

He  lied.  If  he  did  lie,  he 

would  not  say  so 


275.  He  if  a ma’  b41T. 

276.  He  chases  the  deer  (dear)  and 
is  never  chased  (chaste). 


277.  Because  he  is  a pup-pet. 

278.  He  must  be  born  on  the  29th 
of  February. 

279.  56  quarts  difference. 

280.  99| 

281.  Lightning. 

282.  $15,  and  boots. 

283.  Against  his  will. 

284.  A whipping. 

285.  16J  = a rod. 

286.  He  is  about  to  fall. 


287.  Forty  horses  have  80  fort 
legs. 


288.  Come,  ye  ingenious  ones,  this 

riddle  guess. 

It  is  not  difficult,  you  will 
confess. 

What  is  that  number  which, 
if  you  divide. 

You  then  will  nothing  leave 
on  either  side  ? 

The  number  -§- 

289.  The  alphabet. 

290.  NINE. 


291.  The  year,  12  months,  80  days, 
night  and  morning,  black 
white. 


292.  1.  The  Tea 
tree. 

2.  Hop  vine. 

3.  Beech. 

4.  Bee. 

5.  India-rubber. 

6.  Bay. 

7.  Pine. 

8.  Yew(Tou,not  I). 

9.  Fig. 


10.  Date. 

11.  Bass. 

12.  Honeysuckle 

13.  Judas. 

14.  Peach 
16.  Fir. 

16.  Bon  Chretien 

17.  Broom. 

18.  Cypress. 

19.  Ni^tshade 


Robert"  Merry  to  his  friends 
A kindly  greeting  sends, 

5|^ith  a general  assortment  of  questioiijt 
Conundrums,  Charades, 

Puzzles,  Riddles  of  all  shaaes, 

And  Recuses,  as  aicts 
To  intellectual  and  social  digesti<HL 

If  the  young  Merry  host 
Acquaintance  should  boast. 

Or  kindred,  or  authorship  pat. 

With  some  of  our  jokes. 

We  confess — (’tis  no  hoax) — 

To  amuse  other  folks, 

We  have  riddled  the  Museum 

Novr  Tfo  beg  you  will  show, 

If  you  happen  to  know. 

Why  the  Editor,  painstaking  soul  ? 

Is  like  the  cold  storm 

Which,  in  climates  bright  and  warm. 

Where  gallinipperi  swarm. 

Gome  shivering  down  from  the  polet 


FKEFAOE 


nnnmerable  readers  of  Mjsbry’s  Museum  will  hero  moel 


T » h many  familiar  faces,  lighted  up  by  pleasant  smiles,  and 
hear  ihe  same  old  jovial  laughter  that  greeted  them  in  the  olden 


Our  motto  is  that  of  our  noble  State—"  Excelsior  !”  Our  reader® 
will  see  that  we  have  not  buried  the  talents  of  our  contributors  Im 
napkins — but  seek  to  bring  them  out  into  the  bright  day : For  Genius 
— like  the  lamp  ef  Aladdin — needs  constant  polishing  to  bring  out  Its 
lustre  and  full  effect. 

Our  object  has  been  to  instruct  by  smiles — not  frowns ; to  ehssr 
the  dear  hearts  of  the  young  girlhood  and  boyhood ; to  strew  flowers 
among  the  necessary  thorns  of  existence.  In  a word,  we  try  in  thess 
pages  to  make  the  sad  happy — ^the  happy  still  happier. 

Hence,  pure  fun  will  be  found  as  beautiful  in  these  pages,  as  he»* 
ey  amid  the  lowers  ef  Hybla 


time. 


Eonanr  UwmMi. 


, Breadfruii 
, Orange  (0- 
range). 

, Olive  (O-live). 

, Hound. 

. Lime. 

. Linden. 

.Box. 

. Dogwoods 
. Aspen. 

. Rose. 

. Sloe. 

. Plane. 

. Tulip. 

. Spruce. 

. Tiller-tree  or 
elm  (helm). 

. Sycamore. 

. Poplar. 

. Southernwood  GO. 
. Ivy. 

. Scrub  oak.  61. 
. Burning  bush  62. 
. HaieL  63. 

1.  Lilac.  64. 

. Elder.  65. 

. Cork.  66. 

. Smoke  tree,  or  67. 


(cof- 


69. 


Da] 

Slipped 
Medlar, 

Will-0 ! 
Man-go. 
SancM. 

HoUy. 

Clove. 

Coffee 
fee). 

Palm. 

Aspen 
pen). 

Arbor 
(tree  of  life). 
Tallow,  snow- 
ball. 

The  ashes. 

Laurel. 

Locust. 

Silver. 

Woodbine. 

Mace. 

Vine. 


(as 


Vitae 


293.  Herschell  (her  shell). 

294.  It  is  in  a good  frame  of  mind. 
296.  ’Twaa  the  fir  ma’  meant. 


296.  They  are  dissolved  in  light. 


297.  Newman  Goodman  went  to 
the  tailor  to  have  his  coat  mended. 

298.  Too  (2)  great  ease  before  mar- 
riage, too  little  ease  after  it. 


299.  A jail  bird. 
300  IX  — SIX. 


802.  They  leave  them  out. 

808.  I— 0— A 

Insert  W,  it  makes  Iowa. 
“ T,  “ Iota. 

$04*  Are— ’A”ia*a« 


rand  relatives.  TneyToTS 

Childs,  who  inclosed  a few  lines  to 
Dr.  Barnes  and  imp-lo-red  his  assis- 
tance. But  before  he  arrived,  the 
invalid  died,  and  the  undertaker  was 
sent  for 


808.  Beat  a base-drum,  or  grind  a 
hand-organ. 


301.  He  is  an  imp  over  a shed.  (Im- 
poverished.) 


309.  Get  up  a brawl,  or  an  alarm 
of  fire. 


810.  (Christmas  tree.) 

811.  Dry-den. 

312.  A Cole-ridge. 

313.  Long-fellow. 

814.  A Dry-den. 

816.  Their  king  was  A-^ 

816.  The  adder. 

817.  A-hi-tub. 

318.  The  last  two  (nUMMy). 

319.  The  stoop. 

820.  When  it  is  a-jar. 

321.  They  are  -without  doQfW 

322.  A-gate. 


323.  Read  down  and  up. 
And  you  will  see 
How  I love  you. 

If  you  love  me. 


324.  It  is  sold. 

325.  He  is  a little  better. 

326.  It  is  due 

327.  It  is  a letter  of  blood 

328.  The  letter  A. 

829.  He  gives  it  up 


I 


>m  wars,  wh 

ployed. 

"ate — thatch. 


?!iero. 

334.  Under  a pear  (pair)  tree. 

335.  Under  a hop- vine. 

836.  Because  he  is  a deer. 

837.  The  letter  S. 

838.  First,  they  were  not  inclined 
to  prey,  and  afterwards  they  were 
raven-ous. 

839.  He  rifles  the  deer  (dear). 

340.  One  child  from  two  parents 

makes  3. 

Two  children  from  two  pa- 
rents make  4. 

841.  Cab-in. 

842.  2 and  2 

343.  The  ploughshare. 

344.  When  he  “ gives  it  up.” 

346.  A reel. 

846.  The  shade  on  the  diaL 

347.  They  are  the  grub  that  makes 
the  butter  fly. 

348.  It  is  his  heir  (air). 

849.  They  are  more  airy. 

850.  The  boy  can  see  his  shadow, 
The  shadow  can’t  see  him. 

851.  It  has  breathed  into  it  the 
breath  of  life. 

352.  A soap-bubble. 

853.  A clock. 

854.  He  gets  wet. 

855.  It  would  make  it  a lie 
It  would  make  Italy 

356.  He  carries  his  reins  (heart)  in 
his  hand. 

367.  He  may  keep  a watch,  but  he 
©an’t  tell  the  time  of  day. 

868.  The  gong  makes  a rfin. 

The  cook  makes  a dinner 
869  One-sided,  sir. 

I Once  I did,  sir. 

\ 860.  Cloak — oak— coal — look. 

I 361.  Wood. 

I 362.  301. 


Fir. 

Ri  step  farther. 

Wl  The  one  dose  their  eyes. 
The  other  eye  their  clotlift 

368.  A-dri-atic. 

369.  The  letter  B. 

Of  ell,  it  makes  bell. 

“ ill,  « biU. 

“ end  “ bend. 

“ in  “ bin. 

“ rags  “ brags. 

“ old  « bold. 

“ one  “ bone. 

370.  He  is  always  on  the  spot 

371.  The  dog  worries  him. 

The  groom  curries  him ; 

The  dog  bites  him, 

The  groom  bits  him. 

372.  The  letter  A. 

It  changed  Job  to  Joth. 
made  Ner  - near. 

“ her  • hear. 

“ cot  - coat. 


gm  - gam. 
cub  - Cuba. 


373.  Give  him  Merry’s  Museum. 

374.  Let  him  subscribe  for  Merry’s 
Museum,  and  always  pay  in  advance. 

375.  It  is  always  expected  with 
interest. 

876.  The  “ lap”  is  the  place  where  infants 
repose, 

And  “^tea”  is  a plant  that  we  use ; 

To  “ Parley”  ’s  to  treat  by  word,  I suppoM, 
And  “ pear”  is  a fruit  we  all  choose. 
Many  youth  like  “ to  eat,”  I’m  afraid,  be- 
yond measure. 

And  part  of  the  head  is  the  “ ear,” 

And  what  is  more  common  than,  when  we 
feel  pleasure, 

Or  grief,  to  give  vent  to  a “ tear.” 

“ Peter  Parley”  ’s  distinguished  I’m  sure  as 
a writer. 

And  welcom’d  by  all  with  a smile ; 

And  surely  no  book  is  a greater  exciter 
Than  this,  which  goes  many  a mile. 

377.  It  is  cheap  at  any  price. 

378.  Merry’s  Museum. 

379.  It  instructs  and  amuses  chil 
dren. 

380  The  one  suffered  wantonly ; 
The  other  from  want  only. 

381.  Her-ring. 

382.  Because  it  contains  valu&hls 
articles,  wood-cuts,  etc* 


ROBBRT  MERRY’S 


SECOND 


BOOK  OF  PUZZLES. 


PREFACE. 


In  presenting  to  the  public  this  JSTew  Boca,  of  Px}2zij», 
I must  present  my  thanks  for  the  many  kind  expressions 
received  in  regard  to  those  already  published.  It  has 
been  compiled  during  my  leisure  moments  of  the  past 
season,  for  the  benefit  of  the  numerous  readers  of  Merry’s 
Museum,  and  contains,  in  a compact  form,  many  of  the 
Puzzles,  Enigmas,  Hieroglyphics,  etc.,  whir*^  have  ap- 
pealed in  the  Museum,  together  with  many  new  ones; 
and  is  presented  with  the  hope  that  it  may  be  the  means 
of  interesting  the  young  folks  around  their  own  fireside 
homes,  rather  than  seek  amusement  elsewhere. 


ROBERT  MERRY, 


IBeb  Paob  12. 


ROBERT  MERRY’S 

BOOK  OF  KHYMES. 


PREFACE 


Merry  nephews,  merry  nieoee^ 
Merry  cousins  all^ 

Merry  aunts,  with  merry  faoeaw 
Merry  uncles,  take  your  places 
Bound  the  merry  halL 

Here’s  a book  of  merry  jingles^ 
Made  for  merry  times; 

Merry  here  with  Merry  mingleS| 
Merry  groups,  and  Merrys  single^ 

“ Merry’s  Book  of  Rhymes.” 

Aunt  Sue  glowing,  Fleta  flashing, 
Uncle  Joe  in  smiles, 

Mattie  warbling,  Buckeye  dashing^ 
Older  crowing.  Hatchet  slashing^ 
Each  in  his  own  style. 


VI 


PKEFACE. 


Merry  nephs  and  nieces,  meeting 
Wheresoe’er  you  may, 

Robert  Merry  sendeth  greeting, 

Hoping  he  may  have  a seat  in 
All  your  merry  play. 

When  in  merry  circles  chatting 
Round  the  merry  hearth, 

Merry  wit  with  wit  comhattinsr, 
Meiry’s  Rhymes  will  come  quite  pat  is 

To  help  on  the  mirth. 


THE  NEST  BUILDERS. 


On  I beautiful,  beautiful  things  1 

IIow  they  range  at  will  through  the  sky 
Dear  Mary,  if  I could  have  wings, 

Oh!  wouldn’t  I,  wouldn’t  I fly? 


8 


merry’s  illustrated 


I would  float  far  away  on  the  cloud, 
All  vailed  in  the  silver  mist ; 

And  perhaps  I should  feel  so  proud, 

I shouldn’t  come  back  to  be  kissed 

But  see,  sis,  the  sweet  little  creatures 
Have  each  a straw  in  his  beak ; 

A lesson  of  duty  to  teach  us, 

As  plainly  as  birds  can  speak. 

We  think  they  are  only  playing, 

As  they  roam  to  and  fro  in  the  sky, 

But  these  busy  fellows  are  saying, 

“ ’Tis  not  all  for  pleasure  we  fly. 

“We’re  building  a snug  little  nest 
In  the  crotch  of  the  old  elm-tree 

We  mean  it  for  one  of  the  best. 

And  busy  enough  are  we. 

“ We  would  not  live  only  for  play ; 

And  when  for  a song  we  take  leisure 

We  would  show,  in  our  caroling  way, 
How  duty  is  wedded  to  pleasure.” 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES. 


9 


KIKDFESS. 

A ROSE  was  faint,  and  hung  its  head, 

One  sultry  summer’s  day, 

When  a Zephyr  kindly  fann’d  its  cheek, 

Then  sped  upon  its  way. 

That  Zephyr  now,  where’er  it  roama^ 
Delicious  perfume  brings. 

So  kindness  gathers,  as  it  goes, 

A fragrance  for  its  wings.  Axjkt  Sub 
1* 


10 


ItEUiET’s  ILLUSTKAPED 


BOOK  OF  RPIYMES. 


11 


8N0W-FLAKE8. 

Ask  the  snow-flakes  pearly  flowers 
That  in  the  skies  have  birth, 

And  gently  fall  in  gleaming  showers 
Upon  this  barren  earth  ? 

Or,  are  they  fleecy  locks  of  wool, 

From  sheep  that  wander  by 
The  silver  streams,  that,  singing,  roll 
Through  valleys  in  the  sky  ? 

Or,  are  they  downy  feathers,  ctist 
By  little  birds  above. 

And  hurried  earthward  by  the  blast. 

Bright  messengers  of  love? 

No,  they  are  pearly  blossoms,  flung 
From  heaven’s  airy  bowers, 

To  recompense  ms  for  the  loss 
Of  summer’s  blooming  flowers. 

Mattik  Bbll 


12 


MERRY^S  ILLUSTRATED 


SPRING  FLOWERS. 

With  what  a lavish  hand 
God  beautifies  the  earth, 

When  everywhere,  all  o’er  the  land, 
Sweet  fiowera  are  peeping  forth  I 

Down  by  the  babbling  brook, 

Up  in  the  silent  hills, 

The  glen,  the  bower,  the  shady  nook, 
Their  breath  with  fragrance  fills 

They  creep  along  the  hedge, 

They  climb  the  rugged  height, 

And,  leaning  o’er  the  water’s  edge. 
Blush  in  their  own  sweet  light 

They  seem  to  breathe  and  talk ; 

They  pour  into  my  ear, 

Where’er  I look,  where’er  I walk, 

A music  BoH  and  clear. 

They  have  no  pride  of  birth. 

No  choice  of  regal  bower ; 

The  humblest,  lowliest  spot  on  earth 
May  claim  the  fairest  flower. 


BOOK  OF  KHYME8. 


13 


TOP  PHILOSOPIIY.. 


Ohildeen  must  be  busy, 

Always  something  learning ; 

Toys  and  trinkets,  for  their  secrets, 
Inside-outward  turning. 

While  the  top  is  spinning, 

Boys  are  wondenng  all, 

How  it  stands  erect  unaided, 

Why  it  does  not  fall. 

WTiile  the  top  is  humming. 

Still  the  wonder  grows. 

By  what  art  the  little  spinner 
Whistles  as  it  goes. 

Children  learn  while  playing; 
Children  play  wdiile  learning; 

Pastimes,  often  more  than  lessona. 
Into  knowledge  turning. 


14 


ILLUSTRATED 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES. 


15 


BY  THE  LAKE. 

Moonlight  gleams  upon  the  lake ; 
Noiselessly  the  waters  break 
On  the  white  and  pebbly  shore, 

Then  return,  to  break  once  more. 

Yonder  moon,  the  sky’s  bright  green, 
Glitters  in  its  depths  serene. 

And  the  stars,  above  that  glow, 

Seem  anotlier  heaven  below. 

On  the  white  lake  shore  I stand. 
Where  the  waters  meet  the  land. 
Shadows  all  around  me  lie, 

Shutting  out  the  starry  sky — 

Shutting  out  the  world  around, 

In  their  close  and  narrow  hound. 
And  the  past  awhile  doth  seem. 

But  a half-forgotten  dream. 

In  the  starry  night,  alone, 

Earthly  ca'^es  and  thoughts  are  gone. 
In  this  silenc^:^.  deep  and  still, 

M ho  could  harbu:  thought  of  ill? 


\e 


MERBY  S ILLUSTRATED 


Far  from  all  the  care  and  strife. 

All  the  a^jony  of  life, 

Wlio  wouid  deem  the  sun  could  rise 
On  earth’s  thousand  miseries? 

One  by  one  my  thoughts  come  back 
To  the  old,  familiar  track, 

And  I turn  me  from  the  shore, 

To  the  busy  world  once  more. 

A DELBERT  OlDEB. 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES. 


17 


GENTLE  WORDS. 

Kind  words  revive  the  weary  soul, 
And  cheer  its  saddest  lionrs, 

As  dew  refreshes  drooping  leaves, 

And  brightens  fading  dowers. 

They  fall,  like  sunshine,  round  the  patl 
Of  those  who  weary  roam. 

And  are  the  “ open  sesame” 

To  every  heart  and  home. 

We  know  the  spring  will  soon  a{)pear. 
When  round  us  flies  the  swallow. 

So  kind  words  should  be  harbingers 
Of  gentle  deeds  which  follow. 

Upon  the  brow  of  want  and  care 
The  joys  of  life  they  ding. 

And  change  the  soul’s  dark  night  to-i**v 
Its  winter  into  spring. 

Then  let  your  deeds  be  gentle  deeds, 
Your  words  be  words  of  love; 

They  are  the  brightest  gems  which 
In  augels’  crowns  above.  Ma  nic 


18 


MERUY^tt  tLLUSTKATKD 


THE  FROST. 


The  Frost  looked  fortli  one  still,  clear  night, 
And  \rliispered,  “IsTow  I sliall  be  out  of  sight ; 
So  through  the  valley  and  over  the  height 
In  silence  Fll  take  my  way. 

[ will  not  go  on  like  that  blustering  tnnn- 
The  wind  and  the  snow,  the  hail  and  the  rain, 
Who  make  so  much  bustle  and  noise  in  vain; 
But  ril  be  as  busy  as  they.” 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES. 


19 


Tlien  ho  flew'  to  the  mountain,  and  powdered 
Ue  lit  on  the  trees,  and  their  boughs  he  dress’d 
In  diamond  beads ; and  over  the  breast 
Of  the  quivering  lake  he  spread 
A eoat  of  mail,  that  it  need  not  fear 
The  downward  point  of  many  a spear, 

That  he  hung  on  its  margin,  far  and  near. 

Where  a rock  could  rear  its  head. 

Ue  went  to  the  windows  of  those  who  slept, 

And  over  each  pane,  like  a fairy,  crept; 

Wlierever  he  breathed,  wherever  he  stepp’d. 

By  the  light  of  the  morn  were  seen 
Most  beautiful  things;  there  were  flowers  and  t.ce^; 
TJiere  were  bevies  of  birds,  and  swarms  of  beeo; 
Tliere  were  cities  with  temples  and  towers ; and  these 
All  pictured  in  silver  sheejRi 

But  he  did  one  thing  that  was  hardly  fair — 

Ue  peeped  in  the  cupboard,  and  finding  there 
That  all  had  forgotten  for  him  to  prepare — 

“Now,  Just  to  set  them  a-thinking, 

I’ll  bite  this  basket  of  fruit,”  said  he, 

“This  costly  pitcher  Til  burst  in  three; 

And  tlie  glass  of  water  they've  left  for  me 

Shall  ‘tcliickl’  to  tell  them  I’m  drinking!” 

Miss  II.  F.  Goih.d 


20 


MEKEY  8 ILLfSTEATED 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES. 


21 


SKATING-WOMAN’S  RIGHTS, 

Why  may  not  a woman  skate  ? 

She  can  walk,  and  run,  and  ride— 

In  dance,  or  hop,  she’s  always  great — 
Prithee  why  not  skate  or  slide  ? 
Skating  is  a useful  art. 

Full  of  dignity  and  grace ; 

Exercises  limb  and  heart. 

Gives  the  blood  a healthful  pace. 

Why  may  not  a woman  skate  ? 

Swan-like  grace  and  queenly  sway 
Mark  the  vigorous,  blooming  Kate, 
Sailing  down  yon  glittering  way. 

Look  I what  conscious  grace  and  power 
In  those  broad,  out-sweeping  strides, 
As  down  the  silver-gleaming  floor, 

With  still  increasing  speed  she  glides 

Why  may  not  a woman  skate  ? 

Often  on  the  frozen  Scheldt, 

Buxom  Dutch  girls,  early,  late. 

For  the  prize  of  speed  have  dealt. 


9?  MERUr's  ILLUSTRATED 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES. 


29 


Sometimes  from  the  inland  town 
To  the  city  mart,  or  fair, 

They  in  merry  bands  glide  down, 

And  their  precious  burdens  bear. 

Why  may  not  a woman  skate  ? 

To  a friend’s,  long  miles  away, 

Oft  they  sail,  with  heart  elate, 

To  make  a call,  or  pass  the  day. 
Often  so  do  lovers  meet, 

Whispering,  wooing,  billing,  cooing, 
While  upon  their  iron  feet. 

Miles  and  miles  of  talk  they're  doing. 

Why  may  not  a woman  skate  ? 

What  though  ankles  she  reveal  t 
Skater’s  ankles,  critics  state. 

Are  not  over-much  genteel. 

What  of  that! — a trifling  charge! 

There’s  a right  for  every  w rong— 

If  the  ankle’s  somewhat  large. 

May  be  ’tis  well  set  and  strong. 

Wliy  may  not  a woman  skate  ? 

Six  times  we  have  put  the  questloo ; 
No  one  rising  in  debate, 

No  one  offering  a suggestion. 


24 


merry’s  JLLU8TB1TED 


Silence  gives  consent.  So,  then, 
Pretty  girls,  and  women,  too, 

No  less  than  rude  boys  and  men, 
May  put  on  the  iron  shoe. 

Try  it,  girls — ay,  try  the  skate— 
Good  for  service,  tired. 

Able  to  sustain  its  woi^ui, 

Never  weak,  nor  loosely  wired — 
The  well-tried  ankle  you  will  Tnd 
In  your  need-hour  just  the  one; 
Bind  your  skates  on — never  mind  ? — 
You  Y^ill  find  it  right  good  fun. 


SCHOOL  SOiXNET. 


Spell,  spell,  spell! 

A dozen  words  or  more; 

To  your  task  and  learn  it  well — 
School  days  will  soon  be  o’er. 

Write,  write,  write! 

A page  all  bright  and  clean  ; 

Seize  the  moments  in  their  flight 
No  lost  one  fall  between. 

Learn,  learn,  learn! 

Some  useful  Vxiing  eacn  day  • 

From  early  morn  um  nigm;  returna, 
W aste  not  your  time  in  play. 

2 


26 


MERRY  8 ILLUSTRATED 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES. 


27 


THE  LANGUAGE  OF  FLOWERS. 

It  is  said  that  the  flowers,  as  well  as  the  birds, 

Have  a language  peculiar,  with  phrases  and  words ; 
And  that  oft,  in  the  hush  of  a warm  summer  day. 
You  may  hear,  if  you  listen,  whatever  they  say. 

I have  doubted  till  lately,  and  thought  it  was  all 
The  whim  of  some  dreamer,  whom  poet  they  call ; 
But  since  the  sweet  seventh  of  June,  fifty-one. 

My  doubts  have  all  vanished,  like  mists  in  the  sun. 

As  I walked  in  the  garden  I saw  a sweet  rose, 

Such  as  seldom  on  this  side  of  Paradise  grows, 

With  a deep,  deepening  blush  overspreading  its  cheek, 
Leaning  down  to  a lily,  as  if  it  would  speak. 

Behind  a tall  orange  in  bloom,  as  it  spread 
Its  rich  fragrant  shadow  all  over  the  bed. 
Unperceived  by  the  parties,  I paused  in  my  walk 
And,  in  truth,  overheard  an  intelligent  talk. 

First,  a low,  distant  murmur  arrested  ray  ear. 

Like  the  memory  of  tones  which  in  dreaming  we  hear; 
Then,  clear  and  distinct,  though  subtile  as  thought, 
Their  simple,  articulate  language  I caught. 


28 


mekry’s  illustrated 


“ Thou  f^iirost  of  gems/’  said  the  rose,  bending  down, 
“ Too  sweet  for  the  earth  and  too  chaste  for  a crown, 
I would  tliou  wert  taller,  that  here,  in  iny  i>^ace, 

The  world  might  appreciate  thy  sweetness  and  grace.*’ 

“Nay,  nay,  lovely  rose,”  the  fair  lily  replied, 

“ It  is  safer  in  humble  retirement  to  hide ; 

Earth’s  praises  I court  not ; my  graces  were  given 
To  exhale,  in  their  careless  redundance,  to  neaven.  ‘ 

As  the  rest  of  their  talk  was  of  love,  and  as  I 
Was  acting  the  part  of  an  eaves-dropping  spy, 

I will  not  report  it ; but  this  I have  told. 

As  conveying  a lesson  for  young  and  for  old. 


BOOK  OF  EHYME8. 


89 


THE  SONG  OF  THE  EXILE 

Blow,  blow,  ye  winds,  from  the  wide  blue  seal 
Oh,  cool  the  heat  of  this  fevered  brow, 

And  still  this  heart  with  such  melody 
As  your  fluttering  winces  are  wafting  now  1 

Bear  on,  bear  on,  from  that  distant  shore. 

The  loving  tones  ot  a household  band 

Whose  cherished  forms  1 see  no  more, 

Ye  voices  dim  from  my  fatherland ! 

Such  sad,  sweet  thoughts  to  me  ye  bring 
Of  my  own  far  home  with  its  ivied  walls, 

Of  the  vine-wreatlied  porch,  where  the  zephyr  sings 
Through  the  rustling  leaves,  and  the  sunbeam  faUa— 

Of  the  threshold  stone,  and  the  open  door, 

Of  the  kindred  foi-uis  that  gathered  there. 

At  the  stilly  eve  full  hearts  to  pour,, 

In  a gush  of  song  on  the  listening  air — 

Of  the  noisy  flow  of  the  little  brook, 

Whose  mossy  banks  our  footsteps  haunted ; 

Of  winds  which  half  their  sweetness  took 
From  fragrant  bowers  our  hands  had  planted. 

^'l.KTA  FoKKKSTE*. 


30 


MERRY'S  ILUJSTBATED 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES. 


81 


THE  HARVEST. 

Trusting  in  the  patient  earth 
For  the  coining  need, 

Went  the  hopeful  sower  forth. 
Bearing  precious  seed. 

Precious  seed  and  full  of  hope. 
Scattered  far  and  wide, 

O’er  the  plain — along  the  slop#— 
And  hy  the  river  side. 

Softened  by  the  vernal  rain. 
Quickened  by  the  sun. 

Every  little  planted  grain 
Peep’d  forth,  one  by  one. 

Nourished  hy  the  rain  and  dew, 
And  the  genial  light, 

Blade  by  blade  it  upward  grew, 
Growing  day  and  night. 

Waving  in  the  summer  gales, 
Bowing  to  the  blast, 

O’er  the  teeming  intervales, 
Ripening  to  the  last. 


32 


mekry’s  illustrated 


Duly  to  the  harvest  white, 
Goldenly  it  glows, 

As  with  grateful  lieart,  and  light, 
Forth  the  reaper  goes. 

Brightly  as  the  sickle  swings, 
Flashing  in  the  sun. 

Merrily  the  reaper  sings. 

While  the  moments  run. 

Onward  as  the  strong  man  {joes, 
Fall  the  golden  heads, 

Till  the  grain,  in  beauteous  rows* 
All  the  field  o’erspreads. 

Gather,  gather  now  with  care, 
Binding  up  your  sheaves, 

Save  what  holy  thrift  and  prayer 
For  the  gleaner  leaves. 

J^ow,  upon  the  groaning  wain, 

Pile  your  treasures  higli, 
Thankful  for  the  gentle  rain. 

And  the  genial  sky. 

Grateful  for  the  bounteous  earth, 
Trusting  all  to  come. 

Now  with  songs  of  clieerfui  mirth, 
Bring  the  harvest  home. 


I 

BOOK  OF  RHYMES.  33 

and  sing  in  joyous  ring, 

Ere  the  day  grows  dim ; 

Rejoice,  rejoice,  with  heart  and  voices 
Shout,  shout  the  Harvest  Hymn. 


34 


MERUY’8  ILLOSTRATED 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES. 


35 


THE  SNOW-HOUSE. 

8*«,  Charlie,  out  there,  by  the  elm  tree, 
The  snow  has  been  eddying  round, 

And  has  made,  for  our  winter  snow-honsa, 
A broad  and  beautiful  mound. 

Oome,  Charlie,  bring  out  your  shovel, 

And  soon  we  will  let  them  see 

How  nice,  how  snug,  and  how  cosy, 

Our  winter  palace  can  be. 

He  docjr  shall  be  arched  and  lofly, 

The  room  within  shall  be  round ; 

And  we’ll  have  a fireplace  and  chimn^, 
And  a carpet  of  straw  for  the  ground. 

Then  we’ll  have  a magnificent  party, 

And  all  our  friends  receive. 

With  chestnuts,  popped  corn,  and  candy, 
On  Christmas  or  N’ew  Year’s  eve. 

The  Merrys  all  shall  be  invited, 

Around  our  board  to  sit ; 

They  with  our  house  will  be  delighted. 
And  we’ll  enjoy  their  wit. 


MERKY'8  ILLUSTRATED 


COLD  WATER. 

Cold  water,  pure,  sparkling,  and  bright, 
Cold  water  forever  for  me ; 

Cold  water  you^  too,  must  drink  to-nigh^ 
Who  liave  come  to  our  apple  spree. 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES. 


m 


Wop  nothing  else  you  will  get  to  drink, 

Of  that  most  sure  you  may  be ; 

No  wine^  no  hrandy  will  we  allow 
At  our  red-apple  spree. 

No  eider,  no  rum,  no  lager  tier. 

Or  any  such  stuff  will  you  see ; 

But  pure  cold  water,  fresh  from  the  pump 
We  will  have  at  our  apple  spree. 

Drink  as  much  as  you  will,  good  friends  and  trn^ 
For  nothing  it  costs,  you  see, 

And  in  these  hard  times  it  is  best  to  have 
An  economical  spree. 

So  a spree  we  will  have,  and  a jolly  one  too, 
And  none  the  worse  shall  we  be 

To-morrow,  for  having  joined  to-night 
In  a real  red-appio  spree.  Rm 


MERRY  S ILLUSTRATED 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES. 


81 


THE  GOOD  OLD  PLOW. 

Let  them  laud  the  notes  that  in  music  float 
Through  the  bright  and  glittering  hall, 

While  the  amorous  whirl  of  the  hair’s  bright  curl 
Bound  the  shoulders  of  beauty  fall ; 

But  dearest  to  me  is  the  song  of  the  tree, 

And  the  rich  and  the  blossoming  bough — 

Oh ! these  are  the  sweets  which  the  rustic  greeter 
As  he  follows  the  good  old  plow. 

All  honor  be,  then,  to  those  gray  old  men. 

When  at  last  they  are  bowed  with  toil ; 

Their  warfare  then  o’er,  they  battle  no  mo\ 

For  they’ve  conquered  the  stubborn  soil; 

And  the  chaplet  he  wears  is  his  silver  hairs, 

And  ne’er  shall  the  victor’s  brow 
With  a laurel  crown  in  his  grave  go  down, 
like  the  sons  of  the  good  old  plow. 


40 


mt:ery'8  illustrated 


WINTKR, 

Who  does  not  love  the  Winter, 

When  all  on  earth  below, 

The  houses,  st^’earas,  the  trees,  and  rocks, 
Are  covered  o’er  with  snow — 

When  all  is  fair  which  once  was  bare, 
And  all  is  bright  and  gay, 

When  down  the  hillside  rush  the  sleds, 
ah)p  till  far  away  ? 


BOOK  OF  KHYME8. 


41 


And  then  the  noise  of  all  the  boys, 

When  snow-balls  fly  around — 

The  snow  -king  in  the  meadow-field. 

With  icy  jewels  crowned — 

And  sparkling  as  the  purest  gold, 

The  scepter  in  his  hand, 

While  icy  courtiers,  grim  and  still. 

Await  his  high  command- 

And  then  when  evening  closes  in 
Around  the  household  hearth, 

We  love  to  sit  while  jokes  pass  round, 

And  all  is  joy  and  mirth. 

And  then  recount  with  ready  tongues 
The  mishaps  of  the  day. 

Of  plunges  in  the  deep  snow-drifts 
When  at  our  joyous  play. 

And  though  the  Spring  may  boast  its  flowers^ 
And  all  its  green-clad  trees ; 

Though  Summer,  with  its  healthy  showers, 
Brings  many  a cooling  breeze ; 

And  though  in  Ar-tumn  with  the  crops 
Of  grain  and  fruit  we’re  bleat, 

Yet  still  I can  not  heln  hut  say, 

I love  the  Wmf^er  he^. 


aw. 


12 


MEEKY  8 ILLUSTEATEJ> 


BOOK  OP  RHYMES 


43 


JUKE 

Tis  a ta*uth  that  earnest  students, 

With  books  and  nature  who  commuEsc, 

Are  in  thought  and  feeling  quickened 
By  the  skies  and  breath  of  June. 

While  in  boyhood,  what  could  match  itf 
Schoolmates  call  so  opportune ; 

“ Come  with  me  and  range  the  forest — 
Recreate,  this  day  of  June.’’ 

Sister-schoolmates,  gathering  posies. 

Stop  to  hear  the  red-breast’s  tune. 

And  laugh  at  pretty  squirrels  running 
Up  the  trees,  in  leafy  June. 

After-life,  for  prizes  striving. 

The  student  toils  for  lengthened  rune— 

Spirit  (so  success)  is  wafted 
To  him  by  the  breath  of  June. 

Month  of  months — let’s  sing  its  praises  I 
MusEUM-readers,  join  the  tune — 

Tlie  freshest  leaves,  the  brightest  flowcra, 
All  are  thine,  sweet  month  of  June. 


44 


MEERY  8 ILLUSTRATED 


WOKK  AND  PLAT. 

.With  mamma  for  a teaclier, 

’Tis  easy  to  learn ; 

Her  eye  gives  her  boy  courage, 
As  hard  pages  turn. 

Bhe  says,  ‘‘  Kow,  my  dear  FredS^ 
Learn  every  word  right ; 

If  you’re  patient,  the  hard  spots 
Will  vanish  from  sight. 

^ When  this  task  is  well  finished, 
Your  worJc  will  be  done ; 

Then  the  time  comes  for  playings 
Says  every  one. 


BOOK  OF  EIIYM153. 


45 


" Your  fleet  rock-horse  is  waiting, 
And  baby  sliall  see.” 

Freddy  learned  well  his  lessons, 


Don’t  tell  me  of  to-inorrow, 
There  is  much  to  do  to-day, 
That  can  never  be  accomplished. 
If  we  throw  the  hours  away. 
Every  moment  has  its  duty — 
Who  the  future  can  foretell  ? 
Then  why  put  ofi*  till  to-morrow^ 
What  to-day  can  do  as  well  ? 


46 


MEKRY  ft  ILLUSTRATED 


THE  BUTTERFLY. 

Don’t  kill  me,” — caterpillar  said, 
As  Clara  raised  her  heel, 


Upon  the  humble  worm  to  tread, 
As  though  it  could  not  feel 


Don’t  kill  me — I will  crawl  away, 
And  hide  me  from  your  sight, 


And  when  I come,  some  other  day, 
You’ll  view  m<^  with  delight.” 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES. 


47 


The  caterpillar  went  and  hid 
In  some  dark,  quiet  place, 

Where  none  could  look  on  what  he  did, 
To  change  his  form  and  face. 

And  then,  one  day,  as  Clara  read 
Within  a shady  nook, 

A butterfly,  superbly  dressed, 

Alighted  on  her  book. 


His  shining  wings  were  dotted  o’er 
With  gold,  and  blue,  and  green. 
And  Clara  owned  slie  naught  before 
So  beautiful  had  seen. 


COLD  WATER. 

You  may  boast  of  your  brandy  and  wine  as  you  please^ 
Gin,  cider,  and  all  the  rest ; 

Odd  water  transcends  them  in  all  the  degrees, 

It  is  good — it  is  better — ’tis  BEST, 
is  good  to  warm  you  when  you  are  cold, 

Good  to  cool  you  when  you  are  hot ; 

It  is  good  for  the  young — it  is  good  for  the  old, 
Whatever  their  outward  lot. 

It  is  better  than  brandy  to  quicken  the  blood. 

It  is  better  than  gin  for  the  colic; 

It  is  better  than  wine  for  the  generous  mood. 

Than  whisky  or  rum  for  a frolic. 

Tis  tl  ^ best  of  all  drinks  for  quenching  your  thirst, 
Twill  revive  you  for  work  or  for  ])lay  ; 

‘n  sickness  or  health,  'tis  the  best  and  the  first — 

Oh!  tr^  it — yoiril  find  it  will  pay. 


BOOK  OF  KOTAiES. 


49 


THE  TELEGRAPII-ITS  SECRET. 

Looking  up  in  musing  wonder 
At  the  silent  wires  above  him, 

And  profoundly  meditating, 

Suddenly  says  Mike — that’s  Michael^— 
Suddenly  says  Pat — that’s  Patrick — 

“ Can  you  show  me,  can  you  tell  me, 

How  it  is  that  news  and  letters, 

How  it  is  that  big  newspapers. 

Full  of  news,  and  fun,  and  Vvdsdom, 

Travel  ever  back  and  forward, 

Travel  with  the  speed  of  lightning— 

Always  going,  always  coming. 

And  yet  never  interfering ; 

While  we,  sitting  under,  watching, 

Gan  not  see  them,  can  not  hear  them, 

Can  not  draw  their  secret  from  them ; 

Can  not  tell  how  ’tis  they  do  it. 

Can  not  quite  believe  they  do  it, 

I'liough  we  all  the  while  do  know  it?” 

3 


merry’s  illustrated 

“ Should  you  ask  me,  Mike” — ^that’s  Michael  — 
“ Should  you  ask,”  says  Pat — that’s  Patrick- 
“ How  these  silent  wires  above  us 
Talk,  and  write,  and  carry  letters — 

Carry  news,  and  carry  orders, 

Though  we  can  not  see  nor  hear  them, 

Sitting  under,  watching,  listening — 

Can  not  see  them,  can  not  hear  them. 

Can  not  catch  the  smallest  whisper 
Of  the  messages  they  carry — 

I should  answer,  I should  tell  you. 

That  those  little  wires  are  hollow, 

With  a passage  running  through  them 
From  the  one  end  to  the  other ; 

And  they  send,  not  papers  through  them, 

And  they  send,  not  written  letters ; 

But  they  send  -these  strange  magicians— 
Through  those  passages  so  narrow. 

Whispering  spirits,  living  fairies, 

Flying  ever  back  and  forward. 

Message-bearing,  hither,  thither — 

Faithful  messengers,  that  tell  not 
You,  nor  me,  though  watching,  listening. 

What  the  messages  they  carry.’ 

“ Ochl  indade,”  says  Mike — ^that’s  Michael— 

“ Do  you  know  it,  Pat” — that’s  Patrick — 

“Do  you  know  i<^  Pat,  for  certain? 


OF  RHYMES. 


51 


Have  you  seen  the  whispering  spirits  ? 

Have  you  seen  these  living  fairies? 

Have  you  heard  them  shooting  by  us  f 
Have  you  heard  their  fairy  whisper? 

Tell  me,  do  you  know  it,  surely? 

Tell  me,  is  it  only  blarney  ?” 

Then  in  anger,  Pat — ^that’s  Patrick — 
Proudly  answered,  “Mike” — that’s  Michael— 
“ Sure  you  know  I’m  Pat” — that’s  Patrick— 
“ Sure  you  know  I was  in  College ; 

Four  lo^  years  in  F ^m  College — 

Hewing  wood  and  bearing  water, 

Kindling  fires,  and  chores  achieving, 

For  the  great  and  learned  scholars 

Of  the  mighty  F m College. 

So  you  needn’t,  Mike” — that’s  Michaei- 
“ Set  me  down  for  a Know-Kothing; 

Needn’t  reckon  me  a Hindoo ; 

Needn’t  doubt  that  what  I tell  you 
Is  as  true  as  if  a lawyer 
Should  have  told  it  to  a jury ; 

Or  as  if  a man  in  Congress 
Or  in  caucus  said  and  swore  it 
On  his  everlasting  honor. 

On  his  faith  and  on  his  conscience; 

This,  I trust,  will  satisfy  you.” 


52 


MEBEV  S ILLUSTBATED 


BOOK  OF  EHYMEB. 


53 


THE  UMBRELLA,  AND  THE  APRIL  SHOWEB. 

Keep  close — we’ll  crowd  the  closer, 

The  harder  it  shall  pour; 

’Tis  seldom  one  umbrella 
Is  called  to  shelter  four ; 

But  ours  is  large  and  generous, 

And  has  a heart  for  more. 

Yet  faster,  and  yet  faster, 

The  pelting  sheets  arrive, 

And  our  one  good  umbrella 
Is  bound  to  shelter  five. 

For  we  are  packed  as  snugly 
As  bees  within  a hive. 

Now  let  it  come  in  torrents — 

We’re  snug  as  snug  can  be ; 

What  cares  our  brave  umbrelli 
For  five,  or  four,  or  three  ? 

On  every  side  ’tis  shedding 
The  rain  in  careless  glee. 

The  clouds  are  very  leaky, 

The  bottom  must  be  out, 


S4 


merry’s  ILLUSTEATffilD 


Hat,  with  our  good  umbrella, 

We  have  no  fear  nor  doubt, 

Though  every  stick  above  ns 
Rains  like  a tiny  spout. 

Heighol  His  coming  faster, 

The  bottles  mre  have  burst ; 

But  hark ! the  brave  umbrella 

Says,  “ Clouds,  do  now  your  wori^ 

If  you  would  wet  these  children, 

You  must  destroy  me  first. 

They  must  have  thrown  wide  open 
The  windows  of  the  sky ; 

But,  with  our  good  umbrella, 

I think  well  get  home  dry ; 

Or,  if  we  do  get  sprinkled. 

We’ll  neither  fret  nor  cry. 

Step  lightly,  bonnie  sister. 

Keep  close,  sweet  little  pet, 

With  such  a brave  umbrella, 

We  shall  not  be  much  wet ; 

But  Prink  will  have  a drenching^ 

On  that  I’ll  make  a bet. 

How  like  a river  torrent 
It  pours  along  the  street  * 


BOOK  OF  KHYMES. 


55 


Prink  cares  not  for  umbrellas^ 

To  him  a bath’s  a treat, 

And  our  good  India-rubbers 
Are  umbrellas  for  our  feet. 

What’s  that  you  say,  dear  Hellie  f 
’Tis  dropping  on  your  arm? 

Indeed,  our  kind  umbrella 
Didn’t  mean  you  any  harm  ; 

And  soon  the  good  snug  parlor 
Will  make  all  dry  and  warm. 

Ha  I ha  1 the  wind  is  rising, 

But  we  are  almost  there. 

What  if  our  good  umbrella 
Should  fly  away  in  air ! 

Run,  Prink,  and  say  we’re  coming, 
And  open  the  gate — do  you  hear  1 


66 


MEEET  S ILLTI8TEATED 


tii  ililiii-i.. 

Lst  the  fur-jdad  L&pkuto  b®8«l 
Of  the  reindeer’s  bird-Jike  ape#  t 
Let  the  Arab,  for  riding  post, 

Bet  nigh  on  his  mettiesome 

Let  the  Bi  iton  talk  lond  of  the  diage 
With  the  fox.  or  tl^e  here,  oi  the  9U^  ^ 
Let  the  Yankee,  etark  mad  is  the  r« 

Oonnt  aailM  bj  the  niinntes,  esd  b«Nf| 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES. 


57 


I hm  bird  of  tbe  desert  is  ours — 
competitors  all  we  defy  — 

A bird  of  siu  li  wonderful  powers — 

We  scarce  know  if  we  ride  or  we  fly. 


You  have  all  of  the  hippogr iff  heard. 

For  mettle  and  speed  a rare  thing, 
Half-breed  betwixt  courser  and  bird, 
Keeping  pace  with  foot  and  w:th  wing. 

The  bird  of  the  desert  is  he, 

The  ostrich  of  beautiful  plume, 
Skimming  earth,  as  a swallow  the  sea, 

Or  an  eagle  the  lofty  blue  dome. 

He  laughs  at  the  speed  of  the  hind, 

For  pursuers  he  feels  no  concern, 

He  travels  ahead  of  the  wind, 

And  leaves  the  dull  lightning  astern. 


3* 


merry’s  ILLUSTRi^'rED 


THE  PLOWMAN. 


Tubn  up  the  generous  soil — 

Tis  rich  in  hidden  wealth, 

And  well  repays  your  earnest  toil 
With  plenty,  peace,  and  health. 

Plow  with  a bold,  strong  hand — 

Drive  deep  the  glittering  share  j 
jS'o  surface-scratching  will  command 
Earth’s  treasures  rich  and  rare. 

Then,  if  you’d  freely  reap. 

With  bounteous  freedom  sow — 

A.nd  while  you  wake,  and  while  you  sleep, 
The  precious  grain  will  grow. 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES. 


59 


ON  A GOOD  HOUSE-DOG  CALLED  “WATCH.’’ 

PooB  faithful  Watch!  thy  watch  of  life  is  o’er, 

And  mute  and  senseless  near  the  kitchen  door 
Thou  lay’st,  a breathless  corpse,  where  thou  stood  to 
guard  before ; 

Thy  pliant  temper,  known  and  praised  by  all. 

Thy  prompt  obedience  to  thy  master’s  call ; 

Whether  to  climb  the  hill,  or  scour  the  plain. 

Or  drive  encroaching  hogs  from  out  the  lane ; 

Thy  quick  return,  on  motion  of  his  hand. 

To  guard  the  door,  or  wait  a fresh  command ; 

Thy  joy  to  meet  at  eve,  with  fawning  play, 

Domestic  faces,  absent  but  a day ; 

Thy  bark,  that  might  the  boldest  thief  affright. 

And  patient  watch  through  many  a dreary  night — 

All  speak  thy  worth,  but  none  could  save  thy  breath. 
For  what  is  merit  ’gainst  the  shafts  of  Death  ? 

Sleep,  then,  my  dog ! thy  tour  of  duty  o’er. 

Where  thief  and  trav’ler  can  disturb  no  more ; 

Content  t’  have  gained  all  that  thou  now  canst  have* 
Ihy  master’s  plaudit  and  a peaceful  grave ! 


30 


MERRY'S  IELUSTR4.TKD 


BOOK  OF  KHrMES. 


61 


GONE-ALL  GONE! 

Bt  the, bubbling  fount  ’mid  tne  greenwood  shades, 

In  the  leafy  world  of  the  forest  glades, 

No  more  the  birds,  at  the  blush  of  morn, 

Trill  their  sweet  notes ; they  are  gone — all  gone! 

Voices  of  summer,  I’ve  listed  long 

For  the  witching  strains  of  your  matin  song ; 

Through  the  woodland  dim,  o’er  the  rustling  lawn, 

I have  sought  you  oft ; but  you’re  gone — all  gone? 

No  more  do  you  start  in  your  still  retreat  ^ 

At  the  thundering  tramp  of  the  horses’  feet, 

Or  the  wandering  note  of  the  bugle  horn ; 

But  the  woods  tre  mute,  for  you’re  gone — all  gone! 

Mid  the  wild  wood’s  haunts,  through  your  lonely  nestft 
fhe  rude  winds  play,  and  the  snow-wreath  rests 
fn  their  yielding  curve,  while  in  jeering  scorn 
The  cold  blast  whistles,  “ Gone — all  gone !” 

Tliey  say  that  ye  sing  ’neath  a sunnier  arch 
Of  the  azure  skies,  where  the  seasons’  march 
Brings  but  one  endless  vernal  dawn; 

But  my  heart  is  sad,  for  you’re  gone — all  gone ! 


62 


MSRRY  S ILLUSTRATED 


THE  CHHTSTMAS  TREE. 


The  Christmas  tree ! 

The  Christmas  tree  I 
3 gather  around  it  now ; 

Its  fruits  are  free 
For  you  and  for  me, 

And  they  hang  from  every  bough. 


BuuK  OP  RIiPMlL^ 


6^ 

Its  flowers  are  1: right, 

And  they  grew  in  a ni|;l 
§ ^ yesterday  it  was  bare 
Did  ever  yon  see 
An  evergreen  tree 
So  fruitful  and  so  fair  ? 

Look!  here  is  a rose!  ^ 

And  who  would  suppose 
An  orange  and  a pear 

Would  grow  by  the  side 
Of  the  garden’s  pride  ? 

But  here,  you  see,  they  are. 

And,  stranger  yet, 

Here’s  a bon-bon,  set 
On  the  same  identical  stem, 

With  two  plums,  so  big 
That  a neighboring  flg 
See  ns  lost  in  the  S‘hadow  of  tl  m 

And  here,  wl.at’s  this? 

As  I live,  ’tis  a kiss. 

And  just  where  a kiss  should 
A tulip  full  blown. 

Hard  by  it  is  shown — 

Indeed,  ’tis  a wonderful  tree. 


64 


aikrry’s^  illustrated 


Here,  bravo ! I’ve  found 
Merry’s  Museum,  bound — 

This  must  be  the  Tree  of  Knowledge 
Besides  which,  behold  1 
All  lettered  in  gold, 

A poem  fresh  out  from  the  college. 

Hold ! hold  1 my  good  sirs, 
Here’s  a nice  set  of  furs — 

’Tis  a fir-tree,  you  all  must  agree ; 
And  here,  not  incog. ^ 

Is  a sweet  sugar-hog — 

Does  that  make  a mahogany-tree  ? 

Oh ! who  would  have  guessed  f 
Here’s  a nice  little  chest. 

Of  course  'tis  a chestnut-tree ; 

Hot  so  fast,  cousin  Knox, 

Here’s  a beautiful  box — 

A box-trte  it  surely  must  be. 

Your  proof  something  lacks, 

For  here  is  an  ax. 

You  must  own  ’tis  an  axle-tree  now ; 
Hallo  I here’s  a whip. 

For  your  horsemanship — 

Tis  a whipple-tree,  then,  you’ll  allow 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES. 


65 


What  now  shall  be  said  ? 

Here  are  needles  and  thread — 

Let’s  see — shall  we  call  it  tremend(o)us  ? 
Oh,  pshaw ! pray  do  stop, 

I’m  ready  to  drop — 

Your  puns  are  absurdly  stupendous. 


66 


MERRY  8 ILLUSTRATED 


MY  MOTHER’S  BIRTHPLAGi. 


It  was  just  outside  of  the  village, 

In  a cool,  sequestered  nook. 

On  the  right  was  the  murmuring  fores-fi, 
On  the  left  was  the  babbling  brook. 
Behind,  the  overshadowing  mountain 
Reared  its  gray  old  head  to  the  sky, 
While  before  it,  the  widening  valley 
Stretched  out  like  a sea  to  the  ey^ 

’Twas  a rare,  sweet  spot,  and  a lov&J 
As  ever  this  fair  world  knew ; 

There  spring  came  earliest  always. 

And  summer  the  latest  withdrew. 

Day  reluctantly  left  it  at  evening. 

And  hastened  to  greet  it  at  dawn, 

And  stars,  birds,  and  flowers  loved  to  visit 
Th2  place  wheke  my  mothee  was  borh 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES. 


67 


THE  SONG  OF  BOB  UNCOLN. 

BY  TJNOLE  TIM. 

It  was  a beautiful  morning,  quite  early  in  May, 

The  fathers  all  plowing,  the  children  all  play ; 

The  mothers  all  spinning,  as  busy  as  bees, 

And  the  birds  quite  as  busy  all  round  in  the  treea; 
While  some  were  singing  songs  over  and  over, 
Sometimes  in  the  tree-tops,  then  down  in  the  clover, 
Young  Eobert  was  trying  his  very  best  notes, 

And  the  strength  of  his  song  by  the  length  of  his  throat 
Chorus — ^Envy  me,  envy  me. 
Cordially,  cordially, 
Fiddlesticks,  fiddlesticks  1 
Just  act  your  pleasure,  sir. 

Sometimes  he  was  singing  to  Jemmy  the  farmer. 

And  then  to  Miss  Alice,  and  trying  to  charm  her ; 
Next  moment  he’d  light  on  the  top  of  a thistle 
And  either  be  singing  or  trying  to  whistle : 

Miss  Alice,  Miss  Alice ! it  will  give  me  much  pleasure 
To  sing  you  a sonnet  while  I am  at  leisure, 

I will  sing  you  a good  one,  and  very  explicit. 

And  stop  when  I choose,  or  whenever  you  wish  it. 

Chorus — Certainly,  certainly,  etc. 


66 


merey’s  illustrated 


While  Jemmy  is  plowing  and  learning  to  whistle, 

My  wife  is  at  home,  in  the  shade  of  a thistle, 

In  a neat  little  nest,  with  a wild  rose  behind  it. 

Yon  need  not  look  for  it,  for  you  never  can  find  it. 

The  farmer  is  plowing,  and  soon  will  be  mowing ; 
While  he’s  cutting  the  daisies  his  com  will  be  growing. 
When  the  heads  on  the  barley  are  ripe,  and  the  cherry, 
Mary  Lincoln  and  I will  be  singing  so  merry. 

Chorus — Cordially,  cordially, 

Envy  me,  envy  me. 
Fiddlesticks,  fiddlesticks! 
Just  act  your  pleasure,  sir. 

When  the  leaves  on  the  trees  and  the  fiowers  on  the 
clover 

Are  withered  and  faded,  and  Summer  is  over ; 

When  the  grass  on  the  meadows  is  leveled  and  gone, 
We  will  sing  our  last  sonnet  and  leave  you  alone. 

We  will  fly  far  away  to  the  rice  and  the  cotton ; 

But  let  not  our  thistle  and  rose  be  forgotten. 

We  are  certain  to  come  again  early  in  Spring, 

And  bring  some  choice  music,  which  we  promise  tc 
sing. 

Chorus — Cordially,  cordially, 

Envy  me,  envy  me. 
Fiddlesticks,  fiddlesticks! 
Just  act  your  pleasure,  sir. 


BOOK  OF  KHYME8. 


69 


A WILL  AND  A WAY. 


A Lapland  merchant  mnst  needs,  one  day, 
To  a distant  market  go ; 

But  he  had  no  horse,  and  he  had  no  sleigh, 
To  carry  him  over  the  snow, 

**  Yet  go  I must,”  said  the  sturdy  man — 

“ There  is  a way  for  every  will — 

Each  new  necessity  has  its  plan, 

Fop  the  earnest  mind  to  folfilL” 

So  he  drew,  from  the  ice-bound  river,  a scow, 
And  lined  it  with  furs  and  moss, 

Then  harnessed  a reindeer  to  its  prow. 

With  a rope  his  horns  across. 


70  MEBKY^S  ILLUSTRATED 

No  track  was  there — but  the  traveler  knew 
The  way  over  valley  and  plain ; 

Like  a well-trained  steed,  the  reindeer  flew, 

And  brought  him  safe  back  again. 

The  fashion  he  set  is  in  fashion  now, 

Among  the  fur-clad  Norse; 

They  use  for  a sleigh  a flat-bottomed  scow, 

And  a reindeer  for  a horse. 

Smd  the  resolute  man,  “ They  shall  serve  my  turn  , 
Whatever  we  must,  we  may, 

And  sooner  or  later  each  man  will  learn, 

That  where  there’’ s a will  there’’ s a way.’’^ 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES 


t 


blowing  bubbles. 


The  boys  were  blowing  bubbles, 
Bright  red,  and  green,  and  blue, 
And  every  changing  color 
That  ever  mortal  knew. 

They  floated  in  the  windotv, 

And  glided  past  my  chair, 

But  in  a moment  perished, 

-And  faded  in  the  air. 


72 


MEEEY  S ILLUSTEATHD 


The  boys,  with  shouts  and  laughter^ 
Blew  till  quite  out  of  breath, 

While  high  in  the  leafy  maple 
The  bubbles  gleamed  till  death* 

Too  much  like  earthly  pleasure 

Seemed  the  bubbles,  bright  and  gaj ; 
They  charm  a fleeting  moment, 

Then  vanish,  away — away. 


Sweet  love’s  ecstatic  potion 
Our  spirits  long  to  sip. 

But  Death  may  dash  the  nectar 
From  the  unsullied  lip. 

And  he  who  quaffs  the  longest, 

Whose  heart  divinely  glows, 

Ilnds  clouds  will  gather  round  him, 
For  earthly  joys  must  close. 

Some  grasp  at  wealth’s  bright  beaooiii 
And  follow  where  it  leads — 
Sometimes  to  fairest  honor. 

Sometimes  to  foulest  deeds 
And  often  proves  a bubble, 

A floating  thing  of  air — 

Eludes  the  weary  victim, 

And  leaves  him  starving  there. 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES. 


73 


If  love’s  so  frail  a treasure, 

And  wealth  may  fade  away ; 

If  earthly  joys  are  changing, 

And  fame  lives  but  a day ; 

Then  where  are  shining  jewels 
That  will  not  break  at  last. 

And  leave  us,  eager  viewers. 

All  mourning  for  the  past. 

High  in  the  holy  heavens, 

A pearl  of  price  untold 
Shines  brighter  far  than  rubies. 
More  precious  than  fine  gold. 

It  cannot  fade  or  perish, 

Can  never  pass  away  ; 

It  is  a hope  in  Jesus, 

A trust  in  God  alway  I M.  A,  L. 


u 


MERRY  8 ILLUSTRATED 


BOOK  OF  RHTMEB 


AFTER  SCHOOL 

JtrsT  look  upon  that  group  of  boys, 

Brim  full  of  frolic,  spunk,  and  noise. 

When,  at  the  word,  “ The  school  is  done,” 
They  rush  to  liberty  and  fun. 

Pell-mell,  they  run,  and  jump,  and  leap, 
Tumbling  in  one  promiscuous  heap. 

Until  you  wonder  by  what  token 

They  ’scape  with  heads  and  limbs  unbrokeru 

Bold,  reckless,  cunning,  cool,  or  sly. 

What  won’t  they  do?  what  won’t  they  try? 
They’re  up  to  every  kind  of  scheme. 

To  test  their  strength,  and  let  off  steam, 

’Tis  an  epitome  of  life. 

Without  its  shades  of  care  and  strife ; 

Each  has  his  private  joke,  and  cracks  it, 
Regardless  how  the  other  takes  it. 

And  there’s  the  point — boys  take  rough  jokes 
More  pleasantly  than  older  folks. 

Not  heeding  much  what’s  said  or  done. 

So  they  can  have  their  fill  of  fun. 


76 


meeet’s  illustbatbd 


THE  NIGHTINGALE. 

Sweet  bird  I that  through  the  shadowE 
Of  the  night,  so  sad  and  lone, 

Varblest  thy  notes  of  gladness, 

With  softly  thrilling  tone. 

’Tis  when  the  gloom  is  deepest, 

And  all  is  hushed  in  fear, 

Save  that  night- winds  are  moaning 
Through  the  stillness  dark  and  drear 

T^is  then  thy  voice  is  sweetest, 

And  seems  wafted  from  above, 

As  to  the  sad  and  sorrowing 
Ooma  words  of  hope  and  love. 

Thou’rt  heard  within  the  casement. 
Through  the  weary  night  of  pain ; 

And  thy  warble  is  an  earnest 
That  the  day  will  come  again. 

Kethinks  thou  art  a spirit-bird, 

Sent  from  a holier  sphere ; 

Bncb  spirits  do  not  linger 
Amidst  the  sorrowing  here. 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES. 


LEAP-FEOG. 


That’s  right,  Benny,  go  it  strong, 

Go  it  high,  and  go  it  long. 

Swiftly  run,  and  boldly  leap, 

Froggy  Charles  is  quite  a heap. 

Charley  Frog,  now  take  your  jump; 
Benny,  make  yourself  a lump ; 

’Tis  a wnolesome  sport  and  rare — 

Rest  and  toil  an  equal  share. 

Now  you’re  down,  and  now  you’re  up; 
Now  you  leap,  and  now  you  stoop ; 
Now  you  rest,  and  now  you  run ; 

Any  way,  ’tis  right  good  fun. 


MERRY  B ILLUSTRATED 


A WORLD  OF  LOVE  AT  HOME 

The  earth  hath  treasures  fair  and  bright* 
Deep  buried  in  her  caves, 

And  ocean  hideth  many  a gem 
With  his  blue,  curling  waves ; 

Yet  not  within  her  bosom  dark, 

Or  ’neath  the  dashing  foam. 

Lives  there  a treasure  equaling 
A world  of  love  at  home  I 

True,  sterling  happiness  and  joy 
Are  not  with  gold  allied, 

Nor  can  it  yield  a pleasure  like 
A merry  fireside. 

I envy  not  the  man  who  dwells 
In  stately  hall  or  dome. 

If,  \nid  his  splendor,  he  hath  not 
A world  of  love  at  home. 

The  friends  whom  time  hath  proved  sincere^ 
’Tis  they  alone  can  bring 
A sure  relief  to  hearts  that  droop 
’Neath  sorrow’s  heavy  wing. 

Though  care  and  trouble  may  be  mine, 

As  down  life’s  path  I roam, 
rU  heed  them  not  while  still  I have 
A world  of  love  at  home. 


BOOK  OF  RHYMES. 


79 


I MUST  HASTEN  HOME. 

I MUST  hasten  home,  said  a rosy  child, 

Who  had  gayly  roamed  for  hours ; 

I must  hasten  home  to  my  mother  dear 

She  will  seek  me  amid  the  bowers. 

If  she  chides,  I will  seal  her  lips  with  a kisa, 
And  offer  her  all  my  flowers. 

I must  hasten  home,  said  a beggar  girl, 

As  she  carried  the  pitiful  store 

5 


MERRY'S  ILLUSTRATED 


S') 

Of  crumbs  and  scraps  of  crusted  bread, 

She  had  gathered  from  door  to  door; 

I must  hasten  home  to  my  mother  dear  * 

She  is  feeble,  and  old,  and  poorl 

I must  hasten  home,  said  the  ball-room  belle, 
As  day  began  to  dawn ; 

And  the  glittering  jewels  her  dark  hair  decked^ 
Shone  bright  as  the  dews  of  morn ; 

I’ll  forsake  the  joys  of  this  changing  world, 
Which  leave  in  the  heart  but  a thorn. 

I must  hasten  home,  said  a dying  youth, 

Wlio  had  vainly  sought  for  fame — 

Who  had  vowed  to  win  a laurel  wreath. 

And  immortalize  his  name ; 

But,  a stranger,  he  died  on  a foreign  shore- 
All  the  hopes  he  had  cherished  w#>re  vaiiL 

I am  hastening  home,  said  an  aged  man. 

As  he  gazed  on  the  grassy  sod. 

Where  oft,  ere  age  had  silvered  his  hafha, 

His  feet  had  lightly  trod ; 

Farewell  1 farewell  to  this  lovel)  earn. 

I am  hastening  home  U . 


BOOK  OK  liliYMES. 


With  meek  and  simple  faith, 

A child’s  confiding  love, 

The  infant  clierub  kneels  to  breath® 
His  prayer  to  God  above. 

And  all  the  host  of  heaven  is  there^ 
To  listen  to  that  infant  prayer. 


“ God,  bring  dear  father  home, 

God,  make  dear  mother  well, 

God,  make  me  good,  and  let  ns  coma 
All  in  Thy  house  to  dwell.” 

Then,  while  their  watch  good  angels  keep^ 
‘'God  giveth  Ills  beloved  s'eep.” 


82 


merry’s  illustrated 


ACROSTIC. 

Roses  and  tulips,  with  ail  their  gay  train, 

O’er  garden  and  landscape  cause  beauty  to  reign. 

By  the  brook,  or  the  hillside,  or  light  woody  grove, 
Enchanted— delighted — on,  smiling,  we  rove; 

‘Rapt  up  in  fond  thoughts  of  the  verdure  and  bloom, 
’Till  autumn’s  cold  frost  sweeps  the  whole  to  the  tomb. 

My  emotions,  when  li^e  seems  thus  passing  and  vain. 
Even  wisdom  and  prudence  can  hardly  restrain. 

Rude  winter  now  comes,  and  with  sleet,  hail,  and  snow, 
Right  and  left  sends  his  arrows,  as  shivering  we  go. 
Yet  I see  there’s  a chance,  even  now^  io  be  cheery, 
Sitting  snug  by  the  fire,  with  old  Robert  Merry, 

My  cosy  old  friend,  no  winter  is  found 
Unfurled  in  thy  pages  the  whole  season  round ! 

Still  birds  sing  their  songs  in  some  warm,  sunny  clime 
Ever  speaking  in  music  and  talking  in  rhyme; 

Unless  you  may  tell  us  some  odd  tale  that’s  true, 
Making  all  of  ns  merry,  Old  Merry^  with  you  I 

B. 


OF  KMYMES.  83 


OUli  KEBliY. 


SuEE  I am,  I do  not  know 
Why  we  love  our  Nehby  so ; 

But  I am  sure,  as  sure  can  be, 

Kebby  knows  vrhy  he  loves  me. 
Mattie  feeds  ITeb  every  day, 

And  ’ds  as  good  as  any  play, 

Just  to  see  his  pranks  and  freaks. 
When  to  Nebby  Mattie  speaks. 

When  I go  home  from  the  store, 
Febby  meets  me  at  the  door, 

And  says,  most  eloquently  dumb, 
Nebby ’s  glad  that  you  have  come,^* 
iSTebby  is  a little  pet ; 

Kel^)y  don’t  know  how  to  fret ; 

But  he  knows  the  tenderest  part 
Of  our  Mattie’s  tender  he^i't. 


MEKJJY  S ILLUSTRATED 


THE  NEW  SONG. 

Whence  that  sweet,  inspiring  strain. 
Pealing  on  my  ravished  ear? 

Hark ! its  thrilling  notes  again 

From  the  courts  of  heaven  I h-ear— 

“ Hallelujah  to  the  Lamb, 

Who  hath  bought  us  with  His  blood  1 
Honor,  glory  to  His  name. 

We  through  Him  are  sons  of  God.’^ 
Angels  fain  their  notes  would  join 
With  that  vast,  triumphant  song* 
But  their  harps,  though  all  divine, 
He’er  can  reach  that  ’\\^ondrous  song. 
Learned  on  earth,  and  new  in  heavejiij 
Only  they  its  chords  can  know 
Who  to  God  by  grace  are  given, 
Kansomed  from  the  depths  of  wo^ 

A ngels  can  not  know  or  tell, 

In  their  pure,  unfallen  bliss. 

How  a soul,  redeemed  from  hell, 

Sings  the  mystery  of  grace  I 
They  the  chosen,  countless  throng^ 

Ever  round  the  throne  above, 

In  their  new  and  endless  song, 
Celebrate  redeeming  love. 


HOOK  OF  KIiTMES. 


85 


THE  CHINAMAX. 


The  Ciiinamp.Ti  his  life  eonsumes, 

On  opium  regaling — 

The  Yankee  his  tobacco  fumeH 
"With  equal  zest  inhaling — 

Though  trembling  nerves  and  fitful  glooaas 
Warn  them  that  health  is  failing. 

For  almost  everything  that’s  done 
Some  reason  wit  supposes, 

But  for  the  smoker’s  faith,  not  one 
The  keenest  wit  discloses ; 

’Tis  filthy,  vulgar,  costly  fun, 

Hatefu]  to  all  good  noses. 


meeey’s  illusteated 


AN  INDIAN  DANDY, 

Well,  idn’t  that  a funny  dress? 

You  think  he  must  be  cruel, 

With  human  bones  set  round  his  crown. 
And  skulls  in  place  of  jewels. 


BOOK  OF  RHYIVIES. 


87 


Tet  in  his  countenance  you  see 
Nothing  severe  or  savage, 

As  if,  with  cannibal  intent, 

Our  whole  domain  he’d  ravage. 

There’s  no  accounting  for  our  tastes, 
(“  De  and  so  forth ;) 

Some  dote  on  very  slender  waists. 
Some  like  hooped  cisterns  go  forth. 

Sneer  not  at  Indian  or  Malay, 

Nor  get  into  a passion ; 

He  does  as  you  do  day  by  day — 
Follows  the  latest  fashion. 

White  dandies  strut  in  stove-pipe  hsti^ 
White  women  go  bare-headed ; 

Which  is  most  proper,  red  or  whita, 
We  leave  in  doubt  deep  shaded. 


6* 


88 


MERRY>  ILLUSTRATED 


THE  SHADOW. 

Onb  stinny  day  a child  went  Ma3dng — 

When  lo,  while  ’mid  the  zephyrs  playing 
He  saw  his  shadow  at  his  back  i 
He  turned  and  fled,  but  on  his  track 
The  seeming  gobiin  came  apace, 

And  step  for  step  gave  deadly  chase ! 

Weary  at  last,  with  desperate  might 
The  urchin  paused  and  faced  the  fright^ 
When  lo,  the  demon,  thin  and  gray. 

Faded  amid  the  grass  away ! 

’Tis  thus  in  life — when  shadows  chase. 

If  we  but  meet  them  face  to  face, 

What  seemed  a fiend  in  fear  arrayed, 

Binks  at  o ir  feet  a harmless  shade. 

Petkr  PAJRun 


. i 


CONTENTS. 


‘itlie  Nest  BulldOT 1 

Kindness S 

Snow  Flakes il 

Spring  Flowers i2 

Top  Philosophy ....  18 

By  the  Lake 15 

Gentle  Words 17 

The  Frost 13 

Skating — Woman V Bights 21 

School  Sonnet ^ 

The  Language  of  Flowers 27 

The  Song  of  the  Exile 29 

The  Harvest 81 

The  Snow  House Si 

Cold  Water 88 

The  Good  Old  Plow  89 

Winter 4® 

t/une 45 

Work  and  Play .,  ......  44 

The  Butterfly , 46 

Cold  Water 48 

The  Telegraph— -its  Secret 49 

The  April  Shower 53 

The  Ostrich 6€ 

The  Plowman 54 

The  House-Dog  “ W atch* 69 


CONTENTS. 

PAO«b 

Oone>  all  Qone .....  ..  61 

The  Christmas  Tree 6^ 

My  Mother’s  Birthpleoe. 66 

The  Soug  of  Bob  Lincoln. 6T 

A.  Will  and  a Way 69 

Our  Garrei T1 

Charley  and  his  Boat 14 

Blessed  is  he  that  Considereth  the  Poor 7ft 

The  Dissatladed  Angler  Boy 77 

The  Destroyer  Destroyed 79 

The  Eose  in  the  Vale 81 

Of  What  Is  the  Alphabet  Composed  ? 88 

Geography  and  Astronomy 88 

Going  to  School 84 

The  Way  to  Do  It 8B 

When  One  Won’t  Quanreh  Two  Can’t 86 

The  Caterpillar S' 

The  Warning  Bell 8e 

Blowing  Bubbles  . 89 

After  School 98 

The  Nightingale 94 

Leap  Frog 9ft 

A World  of  Love  at  Home 96 

1 must  Hasten  Home 97 

The  Evening  Prayer 99 

Acrostic 100 

OnrNebby 101 

The  New  Song 102 

The  Chinaman 108 

The  Indian  Dandy  104 

TheShadon, 166 


I 

r 


